service DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual

INSTALLATION
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
(2) Remove the Integrated Power Module cover.
(3) To install the IOD fuse, use a thumb to press
the IOD fuse holder unit in fuse cavity # 51 firmly
into the Integrated Power Module.
(4) Install the Integrated Power Module cover.
POWER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION
Two power outlets are utilized on this model. One
in the instrument panel center lower bezel and the
other in the center console. The power outlet bases
are secured by a snap fit within the instrument
panel or trim panel. A plastic protective cap snaps
into the power outlet base when the power outlet is
not being used, and hangs from the power outlet base
mount by an integral bail strap while the power out-
let is in use.
The power outlet receptacle unit and the accessory
power outlet protective cap are available for service.
The power outlet receptacle cannot be repaired and,
if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The power outlet base or receptacle shell is con-
nected to ground, and an insulated contact in the
bottom of the shell is connected to battery current.
The power outlet receives battery voltage from a fuse
in the integrated power module at all times.
While the power outlet is very similar to a cigar
lighter base unit, it does not include the two small
spring-clip retainers inside the bottom of the recepta-
cle shell that are used to secure the cigar lighter
heating element to the insulated contact.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER OUTLET
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toWiring
Diagrams.
(1) Check the fused B(+) fuse in the integrated
power module. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair
the shorted circuit or component as required and
replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) fuse
in the integrated power module. If OK, go to Step 3.
If not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit to the
battery as required.
(3) Remove the plastic protective cap from the
power outlet receptacle. Check for continuity between
the inside circumference of the power outlet recepta-
cle and a good ground. There should be continuity. If
OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, go to Step 5.(4) Check for battery voltage at the insulated con-
tact located at the back of the power outlet recepta-
cle. If not OK, go to Step 5.
(5) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the power outlet receptacle from the
instrument panel. Disconnect the wire harness con-
nector from the power outlet receptacle. Check for
continuity between the ground circuit cavity of the
power outlet wire harness connector and a good
ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step
6. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground
as required.
(6) Connect the battery negative cable. Check for
battery voltage at the fused B(+) circuit cavity of the
power outlet wire harness connector. If OK, replace
the faulty power outlet receptacle. If not OK, repair
the open fused B(+) circuit to the integrated power
module fuse as required.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Pull the cigar lighter knob and element out of
the cigar lighter receptacle base, or unsnap the pro-
tective cap from the power outlet receptacle base.
(3) Look inside the cigar lighter or power outlet
receptacle base and note the position of the rectangu-
lar retaining bosses of the mount that secures the
receptacle base to the panel (Fig. 7).
(4) Insert a pair of external snap ring pliers into
the cigar lighter or power outlet receptacle base and
engage the tips of the pliers with the retaining
bosses of the mount.
(5) Squeeze the pliers to disengage the mount
retaining bosses from the receptacle base and, using
a gentle rocking motion, pull the pliers and the
receptacle base out of the mount.
(6) Pull the receptacle base away from the instru-
ment panel far enough to access the instrument
panel wire harness connector.
(7) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector from the cigar lighter or power outlet
receptacle base connector receptacle.
(8) Remove the cigar lighter or power outlet mount
from the instrument panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector to the cigar lighter or power outlet recep-
tacle base connector receptacle.
(2) Install the cigar lighter or power outlet mount
into the instrument panel.
(3) Align the splines on the outside of the cigar
lighter or power outlet receptacle base connector
receptacle with the grooves on the inside of the
mount.
DR8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTION 8W - 97 - 7
IOD FUSE (Continued)

ROCKER ARM
DESCRIPTION.........................36
REMOVAL.............................36
VALVE GUIDE SEALS
DESCRIPTION.........................36
VALVE SPRINGS
DESCRIPTION.........................36
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................37
ENGINE BLOCK
DESCRIPTION.........................37
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐCYLINDER BORE
HONING............................37
CLEANING............................38
INSPECTION..........................38
CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION.........................39
REMOVAL.............................39
INSPECTION..........................40
INSTALLATION.........................41
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE
MAIN BEARING FITTING................43
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - FRONT
REMOVAL.............................44
INSTALLATION.........................45
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR
REMOVAL.............................45
INSTALLATION.........................46
FLEX PLATE
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................47
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION.........................47
STANDARD PROCEDURE
CONNECTING ROD BEARING FITTING....48
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐPISTON
FITTING.............................50
REMOVAL.............................50
CLEANING............................51
INSPECTION..........................51
INSTALLATION.........................51
PISTON RINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PISTON RING
FITTING.............................52
VIBRATION DAMPER
REMOVAL.............................54
INSTALLATION.........................55
STRUCTURAL COVER
DESCRIPTION.........................56
OPERATION...........................56
REMOVAL.............................56
INSTALLATION.........................56
FRONT MOUNT
REMOVAL.............................57
INSTALLATION.........................58REAR MOUNT
REMOVAL.............................60
INSTALLATION.........................60
LUBRICATION
DESCRIPTION.........................60
OPERATION...........................60
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐENGINE OIL
LEAK...............................63
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHECKING
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE................64
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR SEAL
AREA LEAKS.........................64
OIL PAN
DESCRIPTION.........................65
REMOVAL.............................65
CLEANING............................65
INSPECTION..........................66
INSTALLATION.........................66
OIL PRESSURE SENSOR/SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................66
OPERATION...........................66
REMOVAL.............................67
INSTALLATION.........................67
OIL PUMP
REMOVAL.............................67
DISASSEMBLY.........................67
INSPECTION..........................67
ASSEMBLY............................68
INSTALLATION.........................68
OIL FILTER
REMOVAL.............................69
INSTALLATION.........................70
OIL
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL
SERVICE............................70
INTAKE MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION.........................71
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INTAKE
MANIFOLD LEAKS.....................71
REMOVAL.............................72
INSTALLATION.........................72
EXHAUST MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION.........................73
REMOVAL.............................73
INSTALLATION.........................74
VALVE TIMING
DESCRIPTION.........................75
OPERATION...........................75
STANDARD PROCEDURE
MEASURING TIMING CHAIN WEAR.......76
SERVICE PROCEDURE - TIMING
VERIFICATION........................76
BALANCE SHAFT
REMOVAL.............................79
INSTALLATION.........................79
9 - 2 ENGINE - 3.7LDR

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - INTRODUCTION
Engine diagnosis is helpful in determining the
causes of malfunctions not detected and remedied by
routine maintenance.
These malfunctions may be classified as either per-
formance (e.g., engine idles rough and stalls) or
mechanical (e.g., a strange noise).
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING)ÐPERFORMANCE and (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)ÐMECHANICAL for
possible causes and corrections of malfunctions.
(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) and (Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING) for the fuel system diagnosis.Additional tests and diagnostic procedures may be
necessary for specific engine malfunctions that can
not be isolated with the Service Diagnosis charts.
Information concerning additional tests and diagno-
sis is provided within the following diagnosis:
²Cylinder Compression Pressure Test (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
²Cylinder Combustion Pressure Leakage Test
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING).
²Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Diagnosis
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING).
²Intake Manifold Leakage Diagnosis (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - PERFORMANCE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
ENGINE WILL NOT START 1. Weak battery 1. Charge or replace as necessary.
2. Corroded or loose battery
connections.2. Clean and tighten battery
connections. Apply a coat of light
mineral grease to the terminals.
3. Faulty starter. 3. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
STARTING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
4. Faulty coil or control unit. 4. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/IGNITION
COIL - REMOVAL).
5. Incorrect spark plug gap. 5. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/SPARK PLUG
- CLEANING).
6. Incorrect right bank cam timing. 6. Refer to engine timing in this
section.
7. Dirt or water in fuel system. 7. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
8.Faulty fuel pump, relay or wiring. 8.Repair or replace as necessary.
9. Faulty cam or crank sensor 9. Refer to Ignition system.
ENGINE STALLS OR ROUGH IDLE 1. Vacuum leak. 1. Inspect intake manifold and
vacuum hoses, repair or replace as
necessary.
2. Faulty crank position sensor 2. Replace crank position sensor.
3. Faulty coil. 3. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/IGNITION
COIL - REMOVAL).
9 - 4 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - MECHANICAL
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTIONS
NOISY VALVES 1. High or low oil level in
crankcase.1. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE -
SPECIFICATIONS)
2. Thin or diluted oil. 2. Change oil and filter.
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check oil pump, if Ok, check rod
and main bearings for excessive
wear.
4. Dirt in lash adjusters. 4. Replace as necessary.
5. Worn rocker arms. 5. Replace as necessary.
6. Worn lash adjusters 6. Replace as necessary.
7. Worn valve guides. 7. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER
HEAD/INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES
& SEATS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
8. Excessive runout of valve seats
on valve faces.8. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER
HEAD/INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES
& SEATS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
CONNECTING ROD NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE -
SPECIFICATIONS)
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check oil pump, if Ok, check rod
and main bearings for excessive
wear.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil and filter.
4. Excessive bearing clearance. 4. Replace as necessary.
5. Connecting rod journal
out-of-round.5. Service or replace crankshaft.
6. Misaligned connecting rods. 6. Replace bent connecting rods.
MAIN BEARING NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE -
SPECIFICATIONS)
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check oil pump, if Ok, check rod
and main bearings for excessive
wear.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil and filter.
4. Excessive bearing clearance. 4. Replace as necessary.
5. Excessive end play. 5. Check thrust washers for wear.
6. Crankshaft journal out-of round. 6. Service or replace crankshaft.
7. Loose flywheel or torque
converter.7. Tighten to correct torque
9 - 6 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)

(6) Air ingested into oil due to broken or cracked
oil pump pick up.
(7) Worn valve guides.
(8) Rocker arm ears contacting valve spring
retainer.
(9) Rocker arm loose, adjuster stuck or at maxi-
mum extension and still leaves lash in the system.
(10) Oil leak or excessive cam bore wear in cylin-
der head.
(11) Faulty lash adjuster.
a. Check lash adjusters for sponginess while
installed in cylinder head and cam on camshaft at
base circle. Depress part of rocker arm over adjuster.
Normal adjusters should feel very firm. Spongy
adjusters can be bottomed out easily.
b. Remove suspected lash adjusters, and replace.
c. Before installation, make sure adjusters are at
least partially full of oil. This can be verified by little
or no plunger travel when lash adjuster is depressed.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
(3) Disconnect the exhaust pipe at the right side
exhaust manifold.
(4) Drain the engine coolant(Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(5) Lower the vehicle.
(6) Remove the intake manifold(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL).
(7) Remove the cylinder head cover(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the fan shroud(Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL).
(9) Remove oil fill housing from cylinder head.
(10) Remove accessory drive belt(Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(11) Rotate the crankshaft until the damper timing
mark is aligned with TDC indicator mark.
(12) Verify the V6 mark on the camshaft sprocket
is at the 12 o'clock position. Rotate the crankshaft
one turn if necessary.
(13) Remove the crankshaft damper(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
REMOVAL).
(14) Remove the timing chain cover(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(15) Lock the secondary timing chains to the idler
sprocket using Special Tool 8429 Timing Chain Hold-
ing Fixture.
NOTE: Mark the secondary timing chain prior to
removal to aid in installation.(16) Mark the secondary timing chain, one link on
each side of the V6 mark on the camshaft drive gear.
(17) Remove the right side secondary chain ten-
sioner(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIM-
ING BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL).
(18) Remove the cylinder head access plug.
(19) Remove the right side secondary chain
guide(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING
BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL).
CAUTION: The nut on the right side camshaft
sprocket should not be removed for any reason, as
the sprocket and camshaft sensor target wheel is
serviced as an assembly. If the nut was removed
retorque nut to 5 N´m (44 in. lbs.).
(20) Remove the retaining bolt and the camshaft
drive gear.
CAUTION: Do not allow the engine to rotate. severe
damage to the valve train can occur.
CAUTION: Do not overlook the four smaller bolts at
the front of the cylinder head. Do not attempt to
remove the cylinder head without removing these
four bolts.
CAUTION: Do not hold or pry on the camshaft tar-
get wheel for any reason. A damaged target wheel
can result in a vehicle no start condition.
NOTE: The cylinder head is attached to the cylinder
block with twelve bolts.
(21) Remove the cylinder head retaining bolts.
(22) Remove the cylinder head and gasket. Discard
the gasket.
CAUTION: Do not lay the cylinder head on its gas-
ket sealing surface, do to the design of the cylinder
head gasket any distortion to the cylinder head
sealing surface may prevent the gasket from prop-
erly sealing resulting in leaks.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: The cylinder head bolts are tightened using
a torque plus angle procedure. The bolts must be
examined BEFORE reuse. If the threads are necked
down the bolts should be replaced.
Necking can be checked by holding a straight edge
against the threads (Fig. 24). If all the threads do not
contact the scale, the bolt should be replaced.
9 - 32 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
CYLINDER HEAD - RIGHT (Continued)

CAUTION: When cleaning cylinder head and cylin-
der block surfaces, DO NOT use a metal scraper
because the surfaces could be cut or ground. Use
only a wooden or plastic scraper.
(1) Clean the cylinder head and cylinder block
mating surfaces (Fig. 25).
(2) Position the new cylinder head gasket on the
locating dowels.
CAUTION: When installing cylinder head, use care
not damage the tensioner arm or the guide arm.(3) Position the cylinder head onto the cylinder
block. Make sure the cylinder head seats fully over
the locating dowels.
NOTE: The four M8 cylinder head mounting bolts
require sealant to be added to them before install-
ing. Failure to do so may cause leaks.
(4) Lubricate the cylinder head bolt threads with
clean engine oil and install the eight M10 bolts.
(5) Coat the four M8 cylinder head bolts with
Mopar Lock and Seal Adhesivethen install the
bolts.
NOTE: The cylinder head bolts are tightened using
an angle torque procedure, however, the bolts are
not a torque-to-yield design.
(6) Tighten the bolts in sequence using the follow-
ing steps and torque values:
²Step 1: Tighten bolts 1±8, 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.).
²Step 2: Verify that bolts 1±8, all reached 27 N´m
(20 ft. lbs.), by repeating step-1 without loosening the
bolts. Tighten bolts 9 thru 12 to 14 N´m (10 ft. lbs.).
²Step 3: Tighten bolts 1±8, 90 degrees (Fig. 26).
²Step 4: Tighten bolts 1±8, 90 degrees, again.
Tighten bolts 9±12, 26 N´m (19 ft. lbs.)
CAUTION: The nut on the right side camshaft
sprocket should not be removed for any reason, as
the sprocket and camshaft sensor target wheel is
serviced as an assembly. If the nut was removed
retorque nut to 5 ft. lbs.( 60 in. lbs.).
Fig. 24 Checking Cylinder Head Bolts for Stretching
(Necking)
1 - STRETCHED BOLT
2 - THREADS ARE NOT STRAIGHT ON LINE
3 - THREADS ARE STRAIGHT ON LINE
4 - UNSTRETCHED BOLT
Fig. 25 Proper Tool Usage For Surface Preparation
1 - PLASTIC/WOOD SCRAPER
Fig. 26 Cylinder Head Tightening Sequence
* - INDICATES SEALANT ON THREADS
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 33
CYLINDER HEAD - RIGHT (Continued)

INSPECTION
NOTE: Thoroughly inspect the connecting rod bear-
ing bores and main bearing bores for scoring, blue-
ing or severe scratches. Further disassembly may
be required.
If connecting rod bearing bores show damage, the
cylinder heads must be removed to service the piston
and rod assemblies. If the bedplate or the cylinder
block main bearing bores show damage the engine
must be replaced.
(1) If required, remove the main bearing halves
from the cylinder block and bedplate.(2) Thoroughly clean the bedplate to cylinder block
sealing surfaces and main bearing bores. Remove all
oil and sealant residue.
(3) Inspect the bedplate main bearing bores for
cracks, scoring or severe blueing. If either condition
exists the engine must be replaced.
(4) Inspect the crankshaft thrust washers for scor-
ing, scratches, wear or blueing. If either condition
exist replace the thrust washers.
(5) Inspect the oil pan gasket/windage tray for
splits, tears or cracks in the gasket sealing surfaces.
Replace gasket as necessary.
Fig. 32 BEDPLATE PRY POINT LOCATION
9 - 40 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)

CRANKSHAFT MAIN
BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE
MAIN BEARING FITTING
SELECT FIT IDENTIFICATION
The main bearings are ªselect fitº to achieve proper
oil clearances. For main bearing selection, the crank-
shaft position sensor target wheel has grade identifi-
cation marks stamped into it (Fig. 36). These marks
are read from left to right, corresponding with jour-
nal number 1, 2, 3, 4. The crankshaft position sensor
target wheel is mounted to the number 6 counter
weight on the crankshaft.
INSPECTION
Wipe the inserts clean and inspect for abnormal
wear patterns and for metal or other foreign material
imbedded in the lining. Normal main bearing insert
wear patterns are illustrated.
Inspect the back of the inserts for fractures, scrap-
ings or irregular wear patterns.
Inspect the upper insert locking tabs for damage.
Replace all damaged or worn bearing inserts.
MAIN BEARING JOURNAL DIAMETER
(CRANKSHAFT REMOVED)
Remove the crankshaft from the cylinder block(Re-
fer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT
- REMOVAL).
Clean the oil off the main bearing journal.
Determine the maximum diameter of the journal
with a micrometer. Measure at two locations 90É
apart at each end of the journal.
The maximum allowable taper is 0.008mm (0.0004
inch.) and maximum out of round is 0.005mm (0.002
inch). Compare the measured diameter with the jour-
nal diameter specification (Main Bearing Fitting
Chart). Select inserts required to obtain the specified
bearing-to-journal clearance.
Install the crankshaft into the cylinder block(Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT -
INSPECTION).
Check crankshaft end play.
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARING SELECTION
(1) Service main bearings are available in four
grades. The chart below identifies the four service
grades available.
Crankshaft JOURNAL SIZE
SIZE mm (in.)
MARKING
9R9Size 63.488 - 63.496 mm
(2.4995 - 2.4998 in.)
9S9Size 63.496 - 63.500 mm (2.4998 - 2.4999
in.)
9T9Size 63.500 - 63.504 mm (2.4999 - 2.501
in.)
9U9Size 63.504 - 63.512 mm (2.5001 - 2.5004
in.)
Bearing size
Bearing
CodeSize Application
Upper Bearing
A.2.443 - 2.447
mmUse with crankshaft
size9R9
(.0961 - .0963
in.)
B2.439 - 2.443
mmUse with crankshaft
9S, T9
(0.960 -.o961
in.)
C2.435 - 2.439
mmUse with crankshaft
9U9
Fig. 36 MARKINGS ON TARGET WHEEL
1 - REARMOST CRANKSHAFT COUNTER WEIGHT
2 - TARGET WHEEL
3 - MAIN BEARING SELECT FIT MARKINGS
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 43

(5) Install bearing cap and connecting rod on the
journal and tighten bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) plus a
90É turn. DO NOT rotate crankshaft. Plastigage will
smear, resulting in inaccurate indication.
(6) Remove the bearing cap and determine amount
of bearing-to-journal clearance by measuring the
width of compressed Plastigage (Fig. 49). Refer to
Engine Specifications for the proper clearance.Plas-
tigage should indicate the same clearance
across the entire width of the insert. If the
clearance varies, it may be caused by either a
tapered journal, bent connecting rod or foreign
material trapped between the insert and cap or
rod.
(7) If the correct clearance is indicated, replace-
ment of the bearing inserts is not necessary. Remove
the Plastigage from crankshaft journal and bearing
insert. Proceed with installation.
(8) If bearing-to-journal clearance exceeds the
specification, determin which services bearing set to
use the bearing sizes are as follows:
Bearing
MarkSIZE USED WITH
JOURNAL SIZE
.025 US.025 mm 57.883-57.867 mm
(.001 in.) (2.2788-2.2783 in.)
Std.STANDARD 57.908-57.892 mm
(2.2798-2.2792 in.)
.250 US.250 mm 57.658-57.646 mm
(.010 in.) (2.2700-2.2695 in.)
CAUTION: Connecting Rod Bolts are Torque to
Yield Bolts and Must Not Be Reused. Always
replace the Rod Bolts whenever they are loosened
or removed.
(9) Repeat the Plastigage measurement to verify
your bearing selection prior to final assembly.
(10) Once you have selected the proper insert,
install the insert and cap. Tighten the connecting rod
bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) plus a 90É turn.Fig. 48 Piston and Connecting Rod -Installation -
Typical
1 - ªFº TOWARD FRONT OF ENGINE
2 - OIL SLINGER SLOT
3 - RING COMPRESSOR
4 - SPECIAL TOOL 8507
Fig. 49 Measuring Bearing Clearance with
Plastigage
1 - PLASTIGAGE SCALE
2 - COMPRESSED PLASTIGAGE
DRENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 49
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)

Slide snug-fitting feeler gauge between the con-
necting rod and crankshaft journal flange (Fig. 50).
Refer to Engine Specifications for the proper clear-
ance. Replace the connecting rod if the side clearance
is not within specification.
STANDARD PROCEDUREÐPISTON FITTING
(1) To correctly select the proper size piston, a cyl-
inder bore gauge, capable of reading in 0.003 mm (
.0001 in.) INCREMENTS is required. If a bore gauge
is not available, do not use an inside micrometer.
(2) Measure the inside diameter of the cylinder
bore at a point 38.0 mm (1.5 inches) below top of
bore. Start perpendicular (across or at 90 degrees) to
the axis of the crankshaft at point A and then take
an additional bore reading 90 degrees to that at point
B (Fig. 52).
(3) The coated pistons will be serviced with the
piston pin and connecting rod pre-assembled.
(4)
The coating material is applied to the piston after
the final piston machining process. Measuring the out-
side diameter of a coated piston will not provide accu-
rate results (Fig. 51). Therefore measuring the inside
diameter of the cylinder bore with a dial Bore Gauge is
MANDATORY
. To correctly select the proper size pis-
ton, a cylinder bore gauge capable of reading in 0.003
mm (.0001 in.) increments is required.
(5) Piston installation into the cylinder bore
requires slightly more pressure than that required
for non-coated pistons. The bonded coating on the
piston will give the appearance of a line-to-line fit
with the cylinder bore.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove the following components:
²Oil pan and gasket/windage tray (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).²Cylinder head covers (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S) -
REMOVAL) and (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER
HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
²Timing chain cover (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN COVER(S)
- REMOVAL).
²Cylinder head(s) (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLIN-
DER HEAD - REMOVAL) and (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL).
Fig. 50 Checking Connecting Rod Side Clearance -
Typical
Fig. 51 DO NOT MEASURE MOLY COATED PISTON
1 - MOLY COATED
2 - MOLY COATED
Fig. 52 BORE GAUGE -TYPICAL
1 - FRONT
2 - BORE GAUGE
3 - CYLINDER BORE
4 - 38 MM (1.5 in)
9 - 50 ENGINE - 3.7LDR
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)