lock CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2003 Service Manual
Page 1278 of 2177
AIR CLEANER HOUSING
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Disconnect the inlet air temperature sensor
(Fig. 16).
(3) Remove the inlet hose to throttle body.
(4) Remove the bolt for air box at upper radiator
cross member.
(5) Pull air box up and off over the single locating
pin.
(6) Remove air box from vehicle
INSTALLATION
(1) Install air box into vehicle and onto the locat-
ing pin.
(2) Install bolt to hold air box to the upper radia-
tor cross member.
(3) Install the inlet hose to the throttle body.
(4) Connect the inlet air temperature sensor (Fig.
16).
(5) Connect the negative battery cable.
CYLINDER HEAD
DESCRIPTION
The aluminum cylinder heads (Fig. 17) are
designed to create high flow combustion chambers to
improve performance, while minimizing the change
to the burn rate in the chamber. The cylinder head
incorporates the combustion chamber. Two valves
per-cylinder are used with inserted valve seats and
guides. A multi-layer steel (MLS) type gasket is used
between the cylinder head and engine block.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐCYLINDER HEAD
GASKET
A cylinder head gasket leak can be located between
adjacent cylinders or between a cylinder and the
adjacent water jacket.
Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between adjacent cylinders are:
²Loss of engine power
²Engine misfiring
²Poor fuel economy
Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between a cylinder and an adjacent water
jacket are:
²Engine overheating
²Loss of coolant
²Excessive steam (white smoke) emitting from
exhaust
²Coolant foaming
CYLINDER-TO-CYLINDER LEAKAGE TEST
To determine if an engine cylinder head gasket is
leaking between adjacent cylinders, follow the proce-
dures in Cylinder Compression Pressure Test (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). An
engine cylinder head gasket leaking between adja-
cent cylinders will result in approximately a 50±70%
reduction in compression pressure.
CYLINDER-TO-WATER JACKET LEAKAGE TEST
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING WITH COOLANT PRES-
SURE CAP REMOVED.
VISUAL TEST METHOD
With the engine cool, remove the coolant pressure
cap. Start the engine and allow it to warm up until
thermostat opens.
If a large combustion/compression pressure leak
exists, bubbles will be visible in the coolant.
COOLING SYSTEM TESTER METHOD
WARNING: WITH COOLING SYSTEM TESTER IN
PLACE, PRESSURE WILL BUILD UP FAST. EXCES-
SIVE PRESSURE BUILT UP, BY CONTINUOUS
ENGINE OPERATION, MUST BE RELEASED TO A
SAFE PRESSURE POINT. NEVER PERMIT PRES-
SURE TO EXCEED 138 kPa (20 psi).
Install Cooling System Tester 7700 or equivalent to
pressure cap neck. Start the engine and observe the
tester's pressure gauge. If gauge pulsates with every
power stroke of a cylinder a combustion pressure
leak is evident.
Fig. 16 Inlet Air Temperature Sensor
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-99
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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.
Remove all gasket material from cylinder head and
block (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCE-
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
9 - 100 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)
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Page 1280 of 2177
DURE). Be careful not to gouge or scratch the alumi-
num head sealing surface.
Clean all engine oil passages.
INSPECTION
(1) Before cleaning, check for leaks, damage and
cracks.
(2) Clean cylinder head and oil passages.
(3) Check cylinder head for flatness (Fig. 19).
(4) Cylinder head must be flat within:
²Standard dimension = less than 0.05 mm (0.002
inch.)
²Service Limit = 0.2 mm (0.008 inch.)
²Grinding Limit = Maximum of 0.2 mm (0.008
inch.) is permitted.
CAUTION: 0.20 mm (0.008 in.) MAX is a combined
total dimension of the stock removal limit from cyl-
inder head and block top surface (Deck) together.
INSTALLATION - CYLINDER HEAD
(1) Clean all sealing surfaces of engine block and
cylinder heads. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
(2) Position new gasket(s) on engine block (Fig.
20). The left bank gasket is identified with the ªLºstamped in the exposed area of the gasket located at
front of engine (shown in (Fig. 20)). The right bank
gasket is identified with a ªRº stamped in the
exposed area of the gasket also, but is located at the
rear of the engine.
(3)The cylinder head bolts are torqued using
the torque yield method, they should be exam-
ined BEFORE reuse. If the threads are necked
down, the bolts must be replaced(Fig. 21).
(4) Necking can be checked by holding a scale or
straight edge against the threads. If all the threads
do not contact the scale the bolt should be replaced.
(5)
Tighten the cylinder head bolts 1±8 in the
sequence shown in (Fig. 22). Using the 4 step torque
turn method, tighten according to the following values:
²Step 1: Bolts1±8to61N´m(45ft.lbs.)
²Step 2: Bolts1±8to88N´m(65ft.lbs.)
²Step 3: Bolts1±8(again) to 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.)
²Step 4: Bolts1±8turn an additional 1/4 Turn.
(Do not use a torque wrench for this step.)
Fig. 18 DIPSTICK & TUBE
1 - DIPSTICK
2 - BOLT
3 - TUBE
Fig. 19 Checking Cylinder Head FlatnessÐTypical
Fig. 20 Head Gasket Installation
1 - CYLINDER HEAD GASKET
2 - LOCATION IDENTIFICATION (L = LEFT BANK, R = RIGHT
BANK)
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 101
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)
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Page 1283 of 2177
(2) Assemble gasket to cylinder cover by inserting
the fasteners through each bolt hole on cover and
gasket (Fig. 25).
(3) Install the cylinder head cover and bolts (Fig.
26).
(4) Tighten cylinder head cover bolts to 12 N´m
(105 in. lbs.) (Fig. 26).
(5) Connect crankcase vent hose.
(6) Connect spark plug wires to spark plugs.
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES &
SEATS
DESCRIPTION
The valves have chrome plated valve stems with
four-bead lock grooves. The valve stem seals are
made of Viton rubber.
OPERATION
The two valves per cylinder are opened using
hydraulic lifters, push rods, and rocker arms.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFACING VALVES
AND VALVE SEATS
The intake and exhaust valves and seats are
machined to specific angles (Fig. 27).
VALVES
(1) Inspect the remaining margin after the valves
are refaced (Fig. 28). (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPEC-
IFICATIONS)
VALVE SEATS
CAUTION: Remove metal from valve seat only. Do
not remove material from cylinder head (Fig. 29).
(1) When refacing valve seats, it is important that
the correct size valve guide pilot be used for reseat-ing stones. A true and complete surface must be
obtained.
(2) Measure the concentricity of valve seat using
dial indicator (Fig. 30). Total runout should not
exceed 0.051 mm (0.002 in.) total indicator reading.
(3) Inspect the valve seat using Prussian blue to
determine where the valve contacts the seat. To do
this, coat valve seatLIGHTLYwith Prussian blue
then set valve in place. Rotate the valve with light
pressure. If the blue is transferred to the center of
valve face, contact is satisfactory. If the blue is trans-
ferred to top edge of valve face, lower valve seat with
a 15 degree stone. If the blue is transferred to the
bottom edge of valve face raise valve seat with a 65
degrees stone.
NOTE: Valve seats which are worn or burned can
be reworked, provided that correct angle and seat
width are maintained. Otherwise cylinder head must
be replaced.
Fig. 27 Valve Face and Seat
1 - SEAT WIDTH
2 - FACE ANGLE
3 - SEAT ANGLE
4 - SEAT CONTACT AREA
Fig. 28 Valve Margin
1 - VALVE FACE
2 - VALVE MARGIN
Fig. 29 Refacing Valve Seats
1 - REFACING STONE MUST NOT CUT INTO CYLINDER HEAD
2-STONE
3 - PILOT
4 - SEAT
9 - 104 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
CYLINDER HEAD COVER - LEFT (Continued)
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Page 1284 of 2177
(4) When seat is properly positioned the width of
intake and exhaust seats should be 1.50±2.00 mm
(0.059±0.078 in.) (Fig. 27).
(5) After grinding the valve seats or faces, install
the valve in cylinder head and check valve installed
height by measuring from valve tip to spring seat
(Fig. 31). Remove valve from cylinder head and grind
valve tip until within specifications. Check valve tip
for scoring. The tip chamfer should be reground (if
necessary) to prevent seal damage when the valve is
installed.
(6) Check the valve spring installed height after
refacing the valve and seat (Fig. 31).
If valves and/or seats are reground, measure
the installed height of springs (Fig. 31), make
sure measurements are taken from top of
spring seat to the bottom surface of spring
retainer. If height is greater than specifica-
tions, install a 0.794 mm (0.0312 in.) spacer in
head counterbore to bring spring height back
within specifications.
REMOVAL
(1) With cylinder head removed, compress valve
springs using Valve Spring Compressor Tool
C-3422-D with adapter 8464 (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
SPECIAL TOOLS).
(2) Remove valve retaining locks.
(3) Slowly release valve spring compressor.
Remove valve spring retainer, valve spring, and valve
stem seal.
(4) Before removing valves,remove any burrs
from valve stem lock grooves to prevent dam-
age to the valve guides.Identify valves to insure
installation in original location.
CLEANING
(1) Clean all valves thoroughly and discard
burned, warped and cracked valves.
INSPECTION
VALVES
(1) Clean and inspect valves thoroughly. Replace
burned, warped and cracked valves.
(2) Measure valve stems for wear (Fig. 32). For
valve specifications, (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECI-
FICATIONS).
NOTE: Valve stems are chrome plated and should
not be polished (Fig. 32).
VALVE GUIDES
(1) Remove carbon and varnish deposits from
inside of valve guides with a reliable guide cleaner.
(2) Measure valve stem-to-guide clearance as fol-
lows:
(3) Install valve into cylinder head so it is 15 mm
(0.590 inch.) off the valve seat. A small piece of hose
may be used to hold valve in place.
(4) Attach dial indicator Tool C-3339 to cylinder
head and set it at right angle of valve stem being
measured (Fig. 33).
(5) Move valve to and from the indicator. For cler-
ance specifications, (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFI-
CATIONS).
Fig. 30 Measurement of Valve Seat Runout
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
Fig. 31 Checking Valve and Spring Installed Height
1 - SPRING RETAINER
2 - VALVE INSTALLED HEIGHT* - 48.1±49.7 mm (1.89±1.95 in.)
3 - CYINDER HEAD SURFACE
4 - SPRING INSTALLED HEIGHT* - 41.1±42.7 mm (1.61±1.68 in.)
*(MEASURED FROM TOP OF SPRING SEAT)
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 105
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES & SEATS (Continued)
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Page 1285 of 2177
NOTE: Replace cylinder head if stem-to-guide clear-
ance exceeds specifications, or if guide is loose in
cylinder head.
INSTALLATION
(1) Coat valve stems with clean engine oil and
insert them in cylinder head.
(2) Install valve spring seat on head (Fig. 35).
(3) Install new seals on all valve stems and over
valve guides (Fig. 35). Install valve springs and valve
retainers (Fig. 35).
(4) Install the valve springs. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/VALVE SPRINGS -
INSTALLATION)
VALVE SPRINGS
DESCRIPTION
The valve springs are a bee-hive shaped design
(Fig. 34). The springs are seated on a steel washer on
the cylinder head with retainers and locks retaining
the springs (Fig. 35). The springs are installed with
the smaller diameter against spring retainer (Fig.
34).
OPERATION
The valve spring returns the valve against its seat
for a positive seal of the combustion chamber.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - CYLINDER HEAD OFF
(1) With the cylinder head on a bench, position
Special Tool C-3422-D with 8464 Adapter on the
valve and spring retainer (Fig. 36).
(2) Compress the spring only enough to remove the
valve retainer locks.
(3) Slowly release the spring tension and remove
the valve spring and retainer.
(4) For removal of the valve stem seal (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/VALVE STEM SEALS -
REMOVAL).
REMOVAL - CYLINDER HEAD ON
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove spark plug wires and all spark plugs.
Fig. 32 Intake and Exhaust Valves
1 - MARGIN
2-FACE
3 - STEM
4 - VALVE SPRING RETAINER LOCK GROOVES
Fig. 33 Measuring Valve Guide Wear - Typical
Fig. 34 Valve Spring
1 - VALVE SPRING (TOP - SMALLER DIAMETER)
9 - 106 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES & SEATS (Continued)
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Page 1286 of 2177
(3) Remove cylinder head cover(s). (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove rocker arms and shaft. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER ARMS -
REMOVAL)
(5) Rotate engine until the piston in the cylinder
bore requiring spring removal is at TDC.
(6) Install Special Tool 8453 to the cylinder head
(Fig. 37). Tighten the attaching bolts to 23 N´m (200
in. lbs.).
(7) Install a spark plug adapter in the spark plug
hole. Connect air hose that can supply 620.5±689 kPa
(90±100 psi) of air pressure to adapter. This is to
hold valves in place while servicing components.
(8) Locate the forcing screw and spring retainer
adapter assembly over the spring requiring removal
(Fig. 37).
(9) Slowly turn the forcing screw clockwise (com-
pressing the valve spring) until the valve keepers can
be removed.
(10) Turn forcing screw counterclockwise to relieve
spring tension. Remove retainer and valve spring.
Fig. 35 VALVE 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
Fig. 36 VALVE SPRING - REMOVE/INSTALL
1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3422-D SPRING COMPRESSOR
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8464 ADAPTER
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 107
VALVE SPRINGS (Continued)
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Page 1287 of 2177
(11) Repeat procedure for each cylinder requiring
valve spring removal.
INSPECTION
Whenever valves have been removed for inspection,
reconditioning or replacement, valve springs should
be tested (Fig. 38).As an example;the compression
length of a spring to be tested is 38.00 mm (1.496
in.). Turn the table of Tool C-647 until surface is in
line with the 38.00 mm (1.496 in.) mark on the
threaded stud and the zero mark on the front. Place
spring over stud on the table and lift compressing
lever to set tone device. Pull on torque wrench until
ping is heard. Take reading on torque wrench at this
instant. Multiply this reading by two. This will give
the spring load at test length. Fractional measure-
ments are indicated on the table for finer adjust-
ments. Refer to Engine Specifications to obtain
specified height and allowable tensions (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS). Replace any springs
that do not meet specifications.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - CYLINDER HEAD OFF
(1) If removed, install a new valve stem seal (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/VALVE STEM
SEALS - INSTALLATION).
(2) Position valve spring and retainer on spring
seat.(3) Using Special Tool C-3422-D with 8464 Adapter
(Fig. 36), compress the spring only enough to install
the valve retainer locks. Install valve retainer locks.
(4) Slowly release the spring tension. Ensure the
retainer locks are seated properly.
INSTALLATION - CYLINDER HEAD ON
(1) The intake valve stem seals should be pushed
firmly and squarely over the valve guide using the
valve stem as guide.Do Not Forceseal against top
of guide. When installing the valve retainer locks,
compress the springonly enoughto install the
locks.
CAUTION: Do not pinch seal between retainer and
top of valve guide.
(2) Follow the same procedure on the remaining 5
cylinders using the firing sequence 1-2-3-4-5-6.Make
sure piston in cylinder is at TDC on the valve
spring that is being covered.
(3) Remove spark plug adapter tool.
(4) Install rocker arms and shaft assembly. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER ARMS -
INSTALLATION)
(5) Install cylinder head covers. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(6) Install spark plugs and connect wires.
(7) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 37 VALVE SPRING - REMOVE/INSTALL (HEAD
ON)
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8453
2 - BOLTS - SPECIAL TOOL ATTACHING
3 - AIR SUPPLY HOSE ADAPTER
Fig. 38 TESTING VALVE SPRING
1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-647
9 - 108 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
VALVE SPRINGS (Continued)
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Page 1291 of 2177
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the valve springs. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/VALVE SPRINGS -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the valve stem seal (Fig. 43).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the valve stem seal squarely over the
valve guide, using the valve stem as a guide (Fig.
43). Do not force the seal against top of the valve
guide.
(2) Install the valve spring. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD/VALVE SPRINGS - INSTALLA-
TION)
ENGINE BLOCK
DESCRIPTION
The cylinder block is made of cast iron and is a
deep skirt design.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CYLINDER BORE
HONING
(1) Used carefully, the cylinder bore resizing hone,
recommended tool C-823 or equivalent, equipped
with 220 grit stones, is the best tool for this honing
procedure. In addition to deglazing, it will reduce
taper and out-of-round as well as removing light
scuffing, scoring or scratches. Usually a few strokes
will clean up a bore and maintain the required lim-
its.
(2) Deglazing of the cylinder walls may be done
using a cylinder surfacing hone, recommended tool
C-3501 or equivalent, equipped with 280 grit stones,
if the cylinder bore is straight and round. 20±60
strokes depending on the bore condition, will be suf-
ficient to provide a satisfactory surface. Use a light
honing oil.Do not use engine or transmission oil,
mineral spirits or kerosene.Inspect cylinder walls
after each 20 strokes.
(3) Honing should be done by moving the hone up
and down fast enough to get a cross-hatch pattern.
When hone marksintersectat 40-60 degrees, the
cross hatch angle is most satisfactory for proper seat-
ing of rings (Fig. 44).
(4) A controlled hone motor speed between
200±300 RPM is necessary to obtain the proper cross-
hatch angle. The number of up and down strokes per
minute can be regulated to get the desired 40±60
degree angle. Faster up and down strokes increase
the cross-hatch angle.(5) After honing, it is necessary that the block be
cleaned again to remove all traces of abrasive.
CAUTION: Ensure all abrasives are removed from
engine parts after honing. It is recommended that a
solution of soap and hot water be used with a
brush and the parts then thoroughly dried. The bore
can be considered clean when it can be wiped
clean with a white cloth and cloth remains clean.
Oil the bores after cleaning to prevent rusting.
CLEANING
Clean cylinder block thoroughly using a suitable
cleaning solvent.
INSPECTION
ENGINE BLOCK
(1) Clean cylinder block thoroughly and check all
core hole plugs for evidence of leaking.
(2) If new core plugs are to be installed, (Refer to 9
- ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE
CORE AND OIL GALLERY PLUGS).
(3) Examine block and cylinder bores for cracks or
fractures.
(4) Check block deck surfaces for flatness. Deck
surface must be within service limit of 0.1 mm (0.004
in.).
Fig. 44 Cylinder Bore Cross-Hatch Pattern
1 - CROSS-HATCH PATTERN
2 - 40ɱ60É
9 - 112 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
VALVE STEM SEALS (Continued)
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Page 1292 of 2177
CYLINDER BORE
NOTE: The cylinder bores should be measured at
normal room temperature, 21ÉC (70ÉF).
The cylinder walls should be checked for out-of-
round and taper with Tool C119 or equivalent (Fig.
45) (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS). If
the cylinder walls are badly scuffed or scored, the
cylinder block should be replaced, and new pistons
and rings fitted.
Measure the cylinder bore at three levels in direc-
tions A and B (Fig. 45). Top measurement should be
10 mm (3/8 in.) down and bottom measurement
should be 10 mm (3/8 in.) up from bottom of bore.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS).
HYDRAULIC LIFTERS (CAM IN
BLOCK)
DESCRIPTION
The hydraulic lifters are a roller type design and
are positioned in the cylinder block. The lifters are
aligned and retained by a yoke and a retainer (Fig.
47).Lifter alignment is maintained by machined flats
on lifter body. Lifters are fitted in pairs into six
aligning yokes. The aligning yokes are secured by a
yoke retainer (Fig. 47).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC
LIFTERS
HYDRAULIC LIFTERS DIAGNOSIS - PRELIMINARY
STEP
Before disassembling any part of the engine to cor-
rect lifter noise, check the engine oil pressure. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
Check engine oil level. The oil level in the pan
should never be above the MAX mark on dipstick, or
below the MIN mark. Either of these two conditions
could cause noisy lifters.
OIL LEVEL TOO HIGH
If oil level is above the MAX mark on dipstick, it is
possible for the connecting rods to dip into the oil
while engine is running and create foaming. Foam in
oil pan would be fed to the hydraulic lifters by the oil
pump causing them to become soft and allow valves
to seat noisily.
OIL LEVEL TOO LOW
Low oil level may allow pump to take in air which
when fed to the lifters it causes them to become soft
and allows valves to seat noisily. Any leaks on intake
side of pump, through which air can be drawn, will
create the same lifter noise. Check the lubrication
system from the intake strainer to the oil pump
cover, including the relief valve retainer cap. When
lifter noise is due to aeration, it may be intermittent
or constant, and usually more than one lifter will be
noisy. When oil level and leaks have been corrected,
the engine should be operated at fast idle to allow all
of the air inside of the lifters to be bled out.
VALVE TRAIN NOISE
To determine source of valve train noise, operate
engine at idle with cylinder head covers removed and
listen for source of the noise.
NOTE: Worn valve guides or cocked springs are
sometimes mistaken for noisy lifters. If such is the
case, noise may be dampened by applying side
thrust on the valve spring. If noise is not apprecia-
bly reduced, it can be assumed the noise is in the
tappet. Inspect the rocker arm push rod sockets
and push rod ends for wear.
Fig. 45 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 113
ENGINE BLOCK (Continued)
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