2005 CHRYSLER CARAVAN timing belt

BALANCE SHAFTS AND
CARRIER ASSEMBLY
DESCRIPTION
The 2.4L engine is equipped with two nodular cast
iron balance shafts installed in a cast aluminum car-
rier attached to the lower cylinder block (Fig. 134).
OPERATION
The balance shafts are driven by the crankshaft
via a roller chain and sprockets. The balance shafts
are connected by helical gears. The dual counter
rotating shafts decrease second order vertical shak-
ing forces caused by component movement.
REMOVAL
BALANCE SHAFTS/CHAIN/SPROCKETS
NOTE: For service procedures requiring only tem-
porary relocation of carrier assembly refer to BAL-
ANCE SHAFT CARRIER procedure below.
(1) Drain engine oil.
(2) Remove the oil pan and pick-up tube (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(3) If replacing crankshaft sprocket, remove oil
pump (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL
PUMP - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove chain cover, guide and tensioner. Dis-
card pivot screw and adjuster screw. (Fig. 135).
(5) Remove screw retaining balance shaft drive
sprocket (Fig. 136). Remove chain and sprocket.
(6) Using two wide pry bars, work the crankshaft
sprocket back and forth until it is off the crankshaft-
shaft.
(7) Remove gear cover retaining stud (double
ended to also retain chain guide). Remove cover and
balance shaft gears (Fig. 137).
(8) Remove rear cover and balance shafts (Fig.
138).
(9) Remove four carrier to crankcase attaching
bolts to separate carrier from engine bedplate.
BALANCE SHAFT CARRIER
The following components will remain intact dur-
ing carrier removal: Gear cover, gears, balance shafts
and the rear cover (Fig. 134).
(1) Drain engine oil.
(2) Remove the oil pan and pick-up tube (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove chain cover, guide and tensioner (Fig.
135).
(4) Remove screw retaining balance shaft drive
sprocket (Fig. 136).
(5) Move balance shaft inboard through drive
chain sprocket. Sprocket will hang in lower chain
loop.
(6) Remove carrier to crankcase attaching bolts to
remove carrier.
Fig. 133 Timing Belt Tensioner/Bracket Assembly
1 - BOLT
2 - TENSIONER ASSEMBLY
3 - BOLT-INSTALL FOR PROPER ALIGNMENT
RSENGINE 2.4L9-71
TIMING BELT TENSIONER & PULLEY (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - PERFORMANCE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
ENGINE WILL NOT START 1. Weak battery. 1. Test battery. Charge or replace
as necessary. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
2. Corroded or loose battery
connections.2. Clean and tighten battery
connections. Apply a coat of light
mineral grease to terminals.
3. Faulty starter. 3. Test starting system. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/STARTING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
4. Faulty coil(s) or control unit. 4. Test and replace as needed.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
5. Incorrect spark plug gap. 5. Set gap. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL
- SPECIFICATIONS)
6. Contamination in fuel system. 6. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
7. Faulty fuel pump. 7. Test fuel pump and replace as
needed. (Refer to Appropriate
Diagnostic Information)
8. Incorrect engine timing. 8. Check for a skipped timing
belt/chain.
ENGINE STALLS OR IDLES
ROUGH1. Idle speed too low. 1. Test minimum air flow. (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information)
2. Incorrect fuel mixture. 2. (Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
3. Intake manifold leakage. 3. Inspect intake manifold, manifold
gasket, and vacuum hoses.
4. Faulty ignition coil(s). 4. Test and replace as necessary.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
9 - 80 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)

CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN
BLOCK)
DESCRIPTION
The nodular iron camshaft is mounted in the
engine block and supported with four steel backed
aluminum bearings (Fig. 49). A thrust plate, located
in front of the first bearing, is bolted to the block and
controls the camshaft end play (Fig. 49). To distin-
guish camshafts between the 3.3L and 3.8L engines,
a cast-in ring is located between the rear bearing
journal and rear lobe (Fig. 50). The 3.3L engine
application is as-cast only. The 3.8L engine applica-
tion the cast ring is machined off.
OPERATION
The camshaft is driven by the crankshaft through
a timing chain and sprockets. The camshaft has pre-
cisely machined (egg-shaped) lobes to provide accu-
rate valve timing and duration.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the engine assembly from vehicle
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the cylinder heads (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the timing chain and camshaft
sprocket (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIM-
ING BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the hydraulic lifters (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/HYDRAULIC LIFTERS
(CAM IN BLOCK) - REMOVAL). Identify each tappet
for reinstallation in original location.
(5) Remove camshaft thrust plate (Fig. 49).
(6) Install a long bolt into front of camshaft to
facilitate removal of the camshaft.
(7) Remove the camshaft (Fig. 49), being careful
not to damage cam bearings with the cam lobes.
NOTE: The camshaft bearings are serviced with the
engine block.
INSPECTION
(1) Check the cam lobes and bearing surfaces for
abnormal wear and damage (Fig. 51). Replace cam-
shaft as required.
NOTE: If camshaft is replaced due to lobe wear or
damage, always replace the lifters.
(2) Measure the lobe actual wear (unworn area -
wear zone = actual wear) (Fig. 51) and replace cam-
shaft if out of limit. Standard value is 0.0254 mm
(0.001 in.), wearlimitis 0.254 mm (0.010 in.).
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate camshaft lobes and camshaft bearing
journals with engine oil.
(2) Install a long bolt into the camshaft to assist in
the installation of the camshaft.
(3) Carefully install the camshaft in engine block.
(4) Install camshaft thrust plate and bolts (Fig.
49). Tighten to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Measure camshaft end play. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS) If not within specifi-
cations, replace thrust plate.
(6) Install the timing chain and sprockets. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/
CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 49 CAMSHAFT AND BEARINGS
1 - CAMSHAFT
2 - THRUST PLATE
3 - BOLT
4 - CAMSHAFT BEARINGS (SERVICED WITH BLOCK)
Fig. 50 CAMSHAFT IDENTIFICATION
1 - CAMSHAFT - 3.3L ENGINE
2 - CAST-IN RING
3 - CAMSHAFT - 3.8L ENGINE
4 - MACHINED CAST-IN RING
9 - 118 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS

NOTE: When camshaft is replaced, all of the
hydraulic lifters must be replaced also.
(7) Install the hydraulic lifters (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/HYDRAULIC LIFTERS
(CAM IN BLOCK) - INSTALLATION). Each lifter
reused must be installed in the same position from
which it was removed.
(8) Install the timing chain cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(9) Install the cylinder heads. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSTALLATION)
(10) Install the cylinder head covers. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(11) Install the lower and upper intake manifolds.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANI-
FOLD - INSTALLATION)
(12) Install the engine assembly. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - INSTALLATION)
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION
The pistons are made of cast aluminum alloy and
are a strutless, short skirt design. The piston rings
consist of two compression rings and a three piece oil
ring. Piston pins connect the piston to the forged
steel connecting rods. The piston pins are a press fit
into the connecting rod.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FITTING
CONNECTING RODS
The bearing caps are not interchangeable or
reversible, and should be marked at removal to
ensure correct reassembly. The bearing shells must
be installed with the tangs inserted into the
machined grooves in the rods and caps. Install cap
with the tangs on the same side as the rod. For con-
necting rod bearing fitting (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/EN-
GINE BLOCK/CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE). Fit all connecting rods
on one bank until complete.
NOTE: The connecting rod cap bolts should be
examined before reuse. Bolt stretch can be checked
by holding a scale or straight edge against the
threads. If all the threads do not contact the scale
the bolt must be replaced (Fig. 52).
Fig. 51 Checking Camshaft for Wear (Typical)
1 - UNWORN AREA
2 - ACTUAL WEAR
3 - BEARING JOURNAL
4 - LOBE
5 - WEAR ZONE
Fig. 52 Check for Stretched (Necked) Bolts
1 - STRETCHED BOLT
2 - THREADS ARE NOT STRAIGHT ON LINE
3 - THREADS ARE STRAIGHT ON LINE
4 - UNSTRETCHED BOLT
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 119
CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN BLOCK) (Continued)

(11) Install the timing chain cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING CHAIN COVER -
INSTALLATION).
(12) Install the oil pick-up tube and oil pan (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTAL-
LATION).
(13) Install the transaxle to the engine.
(14) Install the engine assembly (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - INSTALLATION).
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL -
FRONT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.(2) Raise vehicle on hoist. Remove right wheel and
inner splash shield.
(3) Remove accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(4) Remove crankshaft damper. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
REMOVAL)
(5) Position Special Tool 6341A on crankshaft nose.
Carefully screw the tool into the seal until it engages
firmly (Fig. 78). Be careful not to damage that crank-
shaft seal surface of cover
(6) Remove oil seal by turning the forcing screw
until the seal disengages from the cover (Fig. 79).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position Special Tool C-4992-2 Guide, on the
crankshaft nose (Fig. 80).
Fig. 77 CRANKSHAFT AND BLOCK - 3.8L
1 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 4
2 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 3
3 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 2
4 - MAIN BEARING CAP BOLT
5 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 1
6 - THRUST MAIN BEARING - LOWER
7 - THRUST MAIN BEARING - UPPER
8 - MAIN BEARING CAP CROSS BOLT
9 - ENGINE BLOCK
10 - MAIN BEARING - UPPER
11 - CRANKSHAFT
12 - MAIN BEARING - LOWER
Fig. 78 Engaging Tool into Seal
1 - SEAL
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6341A
Fig. 79 Crankshaft Front Seal Removal
1 - SEAL
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6341A
9 - 130 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Clean relief valve, spring and bore.
NOTE: Lubricate relief valve with clean engine oil
before installing.
(2) Install relief valve and spring into housing.
(3) Install new retainer cap until flush with seal-
ing surface.
(4) Install oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION).
(5) Fill crankcase with proper oil to correct level.
OIL PRESSURE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The engine oil pressure switch is located on the
lower left front side of the engine. It screws into the
oil filter adapter. The normally closed switch provides
an input through a single wire to the low pressure
indicator light on the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The oil pressure switch provides a ground for the
instrument cluster low oil pressure indicator light.
The switch receives oil pressure input from the
engine main oil gallery. When engine oil pressure is
greater than 27.5 Kpa (4 psi), the switch contacts
open, providing a open circuit to the low pressure
indicator light. For wiring circuits and diagnostic
information, (Refer to Appropriate Wiring/Diagnostic
Information).
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from switch.
(3) Remove oil pressure switch (Fig. 105).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install oil pressure switch. Torque oil pressure
switch to 23 N´m (200 in. lbs.) (Fig. 105).
(2) Connect electrical connector to switch.
(3) Lower the vehicle.
(4) Start engine and check for leaks.
(5) Check engine oil level. Adjust as necessary.
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION
The oil pump is located in the timing chain cover.
It is driven by the crankshaft.
REMOVAL
The oil pump is contained within the timing chain
cover housing (Fig. 106).
(1) Remove oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the timing chain cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(3) Disassemble oil pump from timing chain cover.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP -
DISASSEMBLY)
(4) Clean and Inspect oil pump components. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP - CLEAN-
ING) (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL
PUMP - INSPECTION)
Fig. 105 OIL FILTER ADAPTER
1 - SEAL
2 - OIL FILTER ADAPTER
3 - OIL FILTER
4 - BOLT
5 - OIL PRESSURE SWITCH
6 - BOLT
9 - 144 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
OIL PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE (Continued)

(2) Install timing chain cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION) and oil pan (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
INTAKE MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION
The intake system is made up of an upper and
lower intake manifold. The upper intake manifold is
made of a composite for both the 3.3L engine and for
the 3.8L engine (Fig. 118). The lower intake manifold
is common between the two engines (Fig. 122). It also
provides coolant crossover between cylinder heads
and houses the coolant thermostat (Fig. 122).
The intake manifold utilizes a compact design with
very low restriction and outstanding flow balance.
This design allows the engine to perform with a wide
torque curve while increasing higher rpm horse-
power.
If, for some reason, the molded-in vacuum ports
break, the composite manifold can be salvaged. The
vacuum ports are designed to break at the shoulder,
if overloaded. Additional material in the shoulder
area provides sufficient stock to repair. For more
information and procedure, (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD - STANDARD
PROCEDURE). Also, if the special screws that attach
the MAP sensor, power steering reservoir, throttle
cable bracket, and the EGR tube become stripped, an
oversized screw is available to repair the stripped-out
condition. For more information and procedure,
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANI-
FOLD - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INTAKE
MANIFOLD LEAKS
An intake manifold air leak is characterized by
lower than normal manifold vacuum. Also, one or
more cylinders may not be functioning.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT STAND IN A
DIRECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE PULLEYS, BELTS OR THE FAN.
DO NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
(1) Start the engine.
(2) Spray a small stream of water (Spray Bottle) at
the suspected leak area.
(3) If engine RPM'S change, the area of the sus-
pected leak has been found.
(4) Repair as required.
INTAKE MANIFOLD - UPPER
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MANIFOLD
STRIPPED THREAD REPAIR
The composite upper intake manifold thread
bosses, if stripped out, can be repaired by utilizing a
repair screw available through Mopartparts. Repair
screws are available for the following manifold
attached components:
²MAP sensor
²Power steering reservoir
²EGR tube
²Throttle cable bracket
The repair screws require a unique tightening
torque specification from the original screw. Refer to
the following chart for specification.
DESCRIPTION TORQUE*
STRIP-OUT REPAIR SCREWS ONLY
MAP Sensor Repair
Screw4 N´m (35 in. lbs.)
Power Steering Reservoir
Repair Screw9 N´m (80 in. lbs.)
EGR Tube Attaching
Repair Screw9 N´m (80 in. lbs.)
Throttle Cable Bracket
Repair Screw9 N´m (80 in. lbs.)
*Install Slowly Using Hand Tools Only
Fig. 113 Oil Pressure Relief Valve
1 - RELIEF VALVE
2 - SPRING
3 - RETAINER CAP
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 147
OIL PUMP (Continued)

(4) Apply force in the reverse direction to the fol-
lowing torque:
²41 N´m (30 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads installed
²20 N´m (15 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads removed
(5) Measure amount of sprocket/chain movement.
(6) Install a new timing chain and sprockets if
movement exceeds 3.175 mm (1/8 in.).
TIMING CHAIN COVER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Drain cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(3) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(4) Drain engine oil.
(5) Remove right wheel and inner splash shield.
(6) Remove oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(7) Remove oil pick-up tube (Fig. 134).
(8) Remove accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(9) Remove A/C compressor and set aside.
(10) Remove crankshaft vibration damper. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION
DAMPER - REMOVAL)
(11) Remove radiator lower hose.
(12) Remove heater hose from timing chain cover
housing (Fig. 135) or water pump inlet tube (if
engine oil cooler equipped) (Fig. 136).
(13) Remove the right side engine mount. (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/ENGINE MOUNTING/RIGHT MOUNT
- REMOVAL)
(14) Remove idler pulley from engine bracket (Fig.
137).
(15) Remove the engine mount bracket (Fig. 137).(16) Remove camshaft position sensor from timing
chain cover (Fig. 137).
Fig. 133 Measuring Timing Chain Wear
1 - TORQUE WRENCH
Fig. 134 OIL PICKUP TUBE
1 - BOLT
2 - OIL PICK-UP TUBE
3 - O-RING
Fig. 135 HEATER RETURN HOSE (Without Engine
Oil Cooler)
1 - CAP AND CLAMP (OIL COOLER EQUIPPED ONLY)
2 - HOSE ASSEMBLY - HEATER RETURN
3 - BOLT - HEATER TUBE ATTACHING
4 - BOLT - HEATER TUBE ATTACHING
9 - 156 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
VALVE TIMING (Continued)