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)
(13) Disconnect the EGR transducer electrical con-
nector (if equipped).
(14) Disconnect the vacuum hoses from throttle
body.
(15) Disconnect the brake booster and speed con-
trol vacuum hoses.
(16) Disengage wire harness clip from the right
side engine mount.
(17) Remove the power steering reservoir from
mounting position and set aside.Do notdisconnect
hose.
(18) Disconnect ground strap from rear of cylinder
head.
(19) Disconnect engine coolant temperature (ECT)
sensor and ignition coil electrical connectors.
(20) Disconnect the fuel injector electrical harness
connector and disengage clip from support bracket.
(21) Disconnect camshaft and crankshaft position
sensor electrical connectors.
(22) Evacuate air conditioning system. Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING.
(23) Disconnect A/C compressor electrical connec-
tor.
(24) Disconnect the A/C lines from compressor.
Cover and seal all openings of hoses and compressor.
(25) Remove the radiator upper hose.
(26) Disengage electrical harness clip at transaxle
dipstick tube.
(27) Remove transaxle dipstick tube. Seal opening
using a suitable plug.
NOTE: When the transaxle cooler lines are removed
from the rolled-groove type fittings at the transaxle,
damage to the inner wall of the hose will occur. To
prevent prevent potential leakage, the cooler hoses
must be cut off flush at the transaxle fitting, and a
service cooler hose splice kit must be installed
upon reassembly.
(28) Using a blade or suitable hose cutter, cut
transaxle oil cooler lines off flush with fittings. Plug
cooler lines and fittings to prevent debris from enter-
ing transaxle or cooler circuit. A service splice kit will
be installed upon reassembly.
(29) Disconnect transaxle shift linkage and electri-
cal connectors.
(30) Raise vehicle on hoist and drain the engine
oil.
(31) Remove the axle shafts. (Refer to 3 - DIFFER-
ENTIAL & DRIVELINE/HALF SHAFT - REMOVAL)
(32) Remove crossmember cradle plate (Fig. 6).
(33)AWD equipped:Remove the power transfer
unit (PTU) (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANS-
AXLE/POWER TRANSFER UNIT - REMOVAL).
(34) Disconnect exhaust pipe from the manifold
(Fig. 7).(35) Remove front engine mount and bracket as an
assembly.
(36) Remove the engine rear mount bracket.
(37) Remove the engine to transaxle struts (Fig. 8).
(38) Remove transaxle case cover (Fig. 8).
(39) Remove flex plate to torque converter bolts.
Mark torque converter to flex plate for orientation for
reassembly.
(40) Remove the power steering pressure hose sup-
port clip attaching bolt.
Fig. 6 Crossmember Cradle Plate
1 - CRADLE PLATE
Fig. 7 Catalytic Converter to Exhaust Manifold
1 - FLAG NUT
2 - GASKET
3 - BOLT
4 - CATALYTIC CONVERTER
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-89
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
VALVE SPRING
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Metric Standard
Free Length-
Type A51.4 mm 2.02 in.
Free Length-
Type B53.4 mm 2.10 in.
Wire Diameter
Type A3.95-4.77 mm 0.15-0.19 in.
Wire Diameter
Type B4.19-4.29 mm 0.16-0.17 in.
Number of Coils
Type A7.52
Number of Coils
Type B7.25
Spring Tension
(Valve Closed)
Type A376.4-424.4 N
@ 41.9 mm84.6-95.6 lbs.
@ 1.65 in.
Spring Tension
(Valve Open)
Type A863.9-959.9 N
@ 41.9 mm194.2-215.8 lbs.
@ 1.65 in.
Spring Tension
(Valve Closed)
Type B377-423 N @
41.9 mm84.8-95.2 lbs.
@ 1.65 in.
Spring Tension
(Valve Open)
Type B880-962 N @
30.91 mm197.9-216.3 lbs.
@ 122 in.
Installed Height 41.1-42.7 mm 1.61-1.68 in
LUBRICATION
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Metric Standard
At Curb Idle
Speed*
(Minimum with
engine at
operating
temperature)34.47 kPa 5 psi
At 3000 RPM 205-551 kPa 30-80 psi
Oil Filter
By-Pass Valve
Setting62-103 kPa 9-15 psi
Oil Pressure
Switch Actuating
Pressure14-28 Kpa 2-4 psi
caution:
*If pressure is ZERO at curb idle, DO NOT run engine
at 3000 rpm.
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Metric Standard
Clearance Over
rotors-Inner and
Outer0.10 mm 0.004 in.
Cover
Out-Of-Flat
(Max.)0.025 mm 0.001 in.
Inner Rotor
Thickness7.64 mm 0.301 in.
Outer Rotor
Thickness (Min)7.64 mm 0.301 in.
Outer Rotor
Clearance
(Max)0.039 mm 0.015 in.
Outer Rotor
Diameter (Min)79.95 mm 3.148 in.
Tip Clearance
Between Rotors
(Max)0.20 mm 0.008 in.
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Camshaft SprocketÐBolt 54 40 Ð
Camshaft Thrust
PlateÐBolts12 Ð 105
Connecting Rod
CapÐBolts54 +
1¤4
turn40
+1¤4
turnÐ
Crankshaft Main Bearing
CapÐBolts41 +
1¤4
turn30
+1¤4
turnÐ
Crankshaft Main Bearing
Cap Cross Bolts (3.8L)61 45 Ð
Crankshaft Oil Seal
Retainer RearÐBolts12 Ð 105
Crankshaft DamperÐBolt 54 40 Ð
Cylinder Block Drain
Plugs20 15 Ð
Cylinder HeadÐBolts (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD -
INSTALLATION)
Cylinder Head CoverÐ
Bolts12 Ð 105
Flex Plate to Crankshaft 95 70 Ð
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-97
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Engine Mounting (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
ENGINE MOUNTING)
Exhaust ManifoldÐBolts 23 Ð 200
Exhaust Crossover
PipeÐBolts54 40 Ð
Intake Manifold -
LowerÐBolts23 Ð 200
Intake Manifold - Lower
Gasket RetainerÐBolts12 Ð 105
Intake Manifold
UpperÐBolts12 Ð 105
Lifter Yoke RetainerÐ
Bolts12 Ð 105
Oil Filter Attaching Fitting 54 40 Ð
Oil Cooler Attaching
Fitting27 20 Ð
Oil Filter 20 15 Ð
Oil Filter AdapterÐBolts 28 Ð 250
Oil Gallery Plug 27 20 Ð
Oil PanÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Oil Pan DrainÐPlug 27 20 Ð
Oil Pressure Switch 23 Ð 200
Oil Pump Cover
PlateÐScrews12 Ð 105
Oil Pump Pick-up
TubeÐBolt28 Ð 250
Oil Dipstick HousingÐ
Bolts48 35 Ð
Rocker Arm ShaftÐBolts 23 Ð 200
Spark Plug 16 12 Ð
Timing Chain Case Cover
ÐM8 Bolt 27 20 Ð
ÐM10 Bolt 54 40 Ð
Water PumpÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Water Pump PulleyÐ
Bolts28 Ð 250SPECIAL TOOLS
3.3/3.8L ENGINE
Dolly 6135
Cradle 6710A
Adapter 6909A
Adapter 8444
9 - 98 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
CHEMICAL TEST METHOD
Combustion leaks into the cooling system can also
be checked by using Bloc-Chek Kit C-3685-A or
equivalent. Perform test following the procedures
supplied with the tool kit.
REMOVAL - CYLINDER HEAD
(1) Drain the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(3) Remove upper and lower intake manifolds.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANI-
FOLD - REMOVAL)
WARNING: INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IS MADE
OF VERY THIN METAL AND MAY CAUSE PER-
SONAL INJURY, HANDLE WITH CARE.
(4) Remove the cylinder head covers. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the spark plugs from cylinder head.(6) Remove the dipstick and tube (Fig. 18).
(7) Remove exhaust manifold(s). (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/EXHAUST MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL)
(8) Remove rocker arm and shaft assemblies.(Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER ARMS -
REMOVAL) Remove push rods andmark positions
to ensure installation in original locations.
(9) Remove the eight head bolts from each cylinder
head and remove cylinder heads (Fig. 22).
CLEANING
To ensure engine gasket sealing, proper surface
preparation must be performed, especially with the
use of aluminum engine components and multi-layer
steel cylinder head gaskets.
NOTE: Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gaskets require
a scratch free sealing surface.
Fig. 17 Cylinder Head and Components
1 - VALVE LOCKS 5 - SPRING SEATS
2 - RETAINERS 6 - CYLINDER HEAD
3 - VALVE SPRINGS 7 - VALVE - EXHAUST
4 - VALVE STEM SEALS 8 - VALVE - INTAKE
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 103
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)
OIL FILTER ADAPTER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Remove the oil filter.
(3) Disconnect oil pressure switch electrical con-
nector.
(4) Remove oil filter adapter attaching bolts (Fig.
100).
(5) Remove oil filter adapter and seal (Fig. 100).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean oil filter adapter and install new seal.
(2) Position adapter on engine block and install
bolts (Fig. 100).
(3) Tighten adapter bolts to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(4) Connect oil pressure switch electrical connector
(Fig. 100).
(5) Install the oil filter.
(6) Lower vehicle on hoist.
(7) Start engine and allow to run approximately 2
minutes.
(8) Turn off engine and check oil level. Adjust oil
level as necessary.
OIL PAN
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery and
remove engine oil dipstick.
(2) Raise vehicle on hoist and drain engine oil.
(3) Remove drive belt splash shield.
(4) Remove strut to transaxle attaching bolt (Fig.
101). Loosen strut to engine block attaching bolts.
(5) Remove transaxle case cover (Fig. 101).
(6) Remove oil pan fasteners (Fig. 102).
(7) Remove the oil pan and gasket (Fig. 102).
CLEANING
(1) Clean oil pan with solvent and wipe dry with a
clean cloth.
(2) Clean all gasket material from mounting sur-
faces of pan and block.
(3) Clean oil screen and pick-up tube in clean sol-
vent.
Fig. 100 OIL FILTER ADAPTER
1 - SEAL
2 - OIL FILTER ADAPTER
3 - OIL FILTER
4 - BOLT
5 - OIL PRESSURE SWITCH
6 - BOLT
Fig. 101 Powertrain Struts and Transaxle Case
Cover
1 - BRACKET - ENGINE REAR MOUNT
2 - BOLT - TRANSAXLE CASE COVER
3 - STRUT - TRANSAXLE TO ENGINE HORIZONTAL
4 - BOLT - HORIZONTAL STRUT
5 - BOLT - STRUT TO TRANSAXLE
6 - COVER - TRANSAXLE CASE LOWER
7 - STRUT - TRANSAXLE TO ENGINE
8 - BOLT - STRUT TO ENGINE
9 - BOLT - ENGINE REAR MOUNT BRACKET
9 - 142 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
INSPECTION
(1) Inspect oil drain plug and plug hole for
stripped or damaged threads and repair as necessary.
Install a new drain plug gasket. Tighten to 27 N´m
(20 ft. lbs.).
(2) Inspect oil pan mounting flange for bends or
distortion. Straighten flange if necessary.
(3) Inspect condition of oil screen and pick-up tube.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean sealing surfaces and apply a 1/8 inch
bead of MopartEngine RTV GEN II at the parting
line of the chain case cover and the rear seal retainer
(Fig. 103).
(2) Position a new pan gasket on oil pan (Fig. 102).
(3) Install oil pan and tighten fasteners to 12 N´m
(105 in. lbs.) (Fig. 102).
(4) Install cover to transaxle case (Fig. 101).
(5) Install the strut bolt to transaxle housing (Fig.
101). Tighten all bending brace bolts.
(6) Install the drive belt splash shield.
(7) Lower vehicle and install oil dipstick.
(8) Connect negative cable to battery.
(9) Fill crankcase with oil to proper level.
OIL PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(2) Drill a 3.175 mm (1/8 in.) hole in the center of
the retainer cap (Fig. 104). Insert a self-threading
sheet metal screw into the cap.
(3) Using suitable pliers, remove cap and discard.
(4) Remove spring and relief valve (Fig. 104).
Fig. 102 OIL PAN
1 - GASKET
2 - BOLT
3 - OIL PAN
4 - NUT
Fig. 103 Oil Pan Sealing
1 - SEALER LOCATIONS
Fig. 104 Oil Pressure Relief Valve
1 - RELIEF VALVE
2 - SPRING
3 - RETAINER CAP
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 143
OIL PAN (Continued)
(5) Connect the MAP sensor electrical connector.
(6) Connect the brake booster and LDP vacuum
hose to intake manifold (Fig. 117).CAUTION: The special screws used for attaching
the EGR tube and power steering reservoir to the
manifold must be installed slowly using hand tools
only. This requirement is to prevent the melting of
material that causes stripped threads. If threads
become stripped, an oversize repair screw is avail-
able. For more information and procedure (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - MANIFOLD STRIPPED
THREAD REPAIR).
(7) Install the power steering reservoir (Fig. 116).
Tighten screws to manifold to 5.6 N´m (50 in. lbs.).
(8) Connect throttle and speed control cables to
throttle body (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
INJECTION/THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE -
INSTALLATION)
(9) Attach make up air hose clip into the hole in
the throttle cable bracket.
(10) Connect the wiring connectors to the throttle
position sensor (TPS) and Automatic Idle Speed (AIS)
motor.
(11) Install air cleaner and air inlet hose assembly.
(12) Connect the inlet air temperature (IAT) sen-
sor electrical connector.
(13) Connect battery negative cable.
INTAKE MANIFOLD - LOWER
REMOVAL - LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD
(1) Perform fuel system pressure release procedure
(before attempting any repairs).(Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
(2) Drain the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(3) Remove the upper intake manifold. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the fuel line. (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYS-
TEM/FUEL DELIVERY/FUEL LINES - STANDARD
PROCEDURE) (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FITTING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE)
(5) Remove ignition coil and bracket (Fig. 120).
(6) Disconnect heater supply hose and engine cool-
ant temperature sensor (Fig. 121).
(7) Disconnect the fuel injector wire harness.
(8) Remove the fuel injectors and rail assembly
(Fig. 120).
(9) Remove radiator upper hose.
(10) Remove the intake manifold bolts.
(11) Remove lower intake manifold (Fig. 122).
Fig. 118 INTAKE MANIFOLD - UPPER
1 - BOLT
2 - MAP SENSOR
3 - SCREW
4 - MANIFOLD - UPPER
5 - WIRE HARNESS
6 - GASKET (3 PER CYL. BANK)
Fig. 119 UPPER MANIFOLD TIGHTENING
SEQUENCE
9 - 150 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
INTAKE MANIFOLD - UPPER (Continued)