DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2001 Service Manual

should be measured halfway down the cylinder bore
and transverse to the engine crankshaft center line
shown in (Fig. 42). Refer to for Engine Specifications
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS). Correct
piston to bore clearance must be established in order
to assure quiet and economical operation.
NOTE: Pistons and cylinder bores should be mea-
sured at normal room temperature, 21ÉC (70ÉF).
STANDARD PROCEDURES - 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 reducetaper 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).
Fig. 41 Cylinder Block and Bedplate
1 - CYLINDER BLOCK
2 - BEDPLATE
Fig. 42 Checking Cylinder Bore
Fig. 43 Piston Measurement
Fig. 44 Cylinder Bore Cross-Hatch Pattern
1 - CROSS-HATCH PATTERN
2 - 40ɱ60É
9 - 34 ENGINE 2.4LRS
ENGINE BLOCK (Continued)
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(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
Engine Core Plugs for procedures (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(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.).
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 Engine Specifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE
- SPECIFICATIONS).
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
CONNECTING RODÐFITTING
(1) For measuring connecting rod bearing clear-
ance procedure and use of Plastigage(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE). For bearing
clearance refer to Engine Specifications. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS)
NOTE: The rod bearing bolts should not be reused.
(2) Before installing theNEWbolts the threads
should be oiled with clean engine oil.
(3) Install each bolt finger tight than alternately
torque each bolt to assemble the cap properly.
(4) Tighten the bolts to 27 N´m PLUS 1/4 turn (20
ft. lbs. PLUS 1/4 turn)Do not use a torque
wrench for last step.
(5) Using a feeler gauge, check connecting rod side
clearance (Fig. 46). Refer to clearance specifications
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS).
Fig. 45 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
RSENGINE 2.4L9-35
ENGINE BLOCK (Continued)
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CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION
The crankshaft is made of nodular cast iron and
includes five main bearing journals and four connect-
ing rod journals (Fig. 47). The number three journal
is the location for the thrust bearing. The mains and
connecting rod journals have undercut fillet radiuses
that are rolled for added strength. To optimize bear-
ing loading, eight counterweights are used.
OPERATION
The crankshaft transfers force generated by com-
bustion within the cylinder to the flywheel or flex-
plate.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CRANKSHAFT END
PLAY
(1) Using Dial Indicator C-3339 and Mounting
Post L-4438, attach to front of engine, locating probe
perpendicular on nose of crankshaft (Fig. 48).
(2) Move crankshaft all the way to the rear of its
travel.
(3) Zero the dial indicator.
(4) Move crankshaft all the way to the front and
read the dial indicator. Refer to Engine Specifica-
tions.
REMOVAL
NOTE: Crankshaft can not be removed when engine
is in vehicle.
(1) Remove engine assembly from vehicle. (Refer to
9 - ENGINE - REMOVAL)
(2) Separate engine from transaxle.
(3) Remove flex plate and crankshaft rear oil seal.
(4) Mount engine on a repair stand.
(5) Drain engine oil and remove oil filter.
(6) Remove the oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(7) Remove the timing belt covers. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(8) Remove the timing belt. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
(9) Remove the oil pump. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP - REMOVAL)
Fig. 46 Connecting Rod Side Clearance
Fig. 47 CRANKSHAFT - TYPICAL
1 - MAIN BEARING JOURNALS
2 - COUNTER BALANCE WEIGHTS
Fig. 48 CHECKING CRANKSHAFT END PLAY
9 - 36 ENGINE 2.4LRS
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS (Continued)
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(10) Remove balance shafts and housing assembly.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/BALANCE
SHAFT - REMOVAL)
(11) Remove all bedplate bolts from the engine
block (Fig. 49).
(12) Using a mallet gently tap the bedplate loose
from the engine block dowel pins.
CAUTION: Do not pry up on one side of the bed-
plate. Damage may occur to cylinder block to bed-
plate alignment and thrust bearing.
(13) Bedplate should be removed evenly from the
cylinder block dowel pins to prevent damage to the
dowel pins and thrust bearing.
(14) Lift out crankshaft from cylinder block. Do
not damage the main bearings or journals when
removing the crankshaft.
INSPECTION
The crankshaft journals should be checked for
excessive wear, taper and scoring (Fig. 50). Limits of
taper or out of round on any crankshaft journals
should within specitifications. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
SPECIFICATIONS) Journal grinding should not
exceed 0.305 mm (0.012 in.) under the standard jour-
nal diameter. DO NOT grind thrust faces of No. 3
main bearing. DO NOT nick crank pin or bearing fil-
lets. After grinding, remove rough edges from crank-
shaft oil holes and clean out all passages.
CAUTION: With the nodular cast iron crankshafts, it
is important that the final paper or cloth polish be
in the same direction as normal rotation in the
engine.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the main bearing shells with the lubri-
cation groove in the cylinder block (Fig. 51).(2) Make certain oil holes in block line up with oil
hole in bearings and bearing tabs seat in the block
tab slots.
CAUTION: Do not get oil on the bedplate mating
surface. It will affect the sealer ability to seal the
bedplate to cylinder block.
(3) Oil the bearings and journals. Install crank-
shaft.
CAUTION: Use only the specified anaerobic sealer
on the bedplate or damage may occur to the
engine.
Fig. 49 Bedplate Bolt Tightenening Sequence
Fig. 50 Crankshaft Journal Measurements
Fig. 51 Installing Main Bearing Upper Shell
1 - LUBRICATION GROOVES
2 - OIL HOLES
RSENGINE 2.4L9-37
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)
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(4) Apply 1.5 to 2.0 mm (0.059 to 0.078 in.) bead of
MopartBed Plate Sealant to cylinder block as shown
in (Fig. 52).
(5) Install lower main bearings into main bearing
cap/bedplate. Make certain the bearing tabs are
seated into the bedplate slots. Install the main bear-
ing/bedplate into engine block.
(6) Before installing the bolts the threads should
be oiled with clean engine oil, wipe off any excess oil.
(7) Install main bearing bedplate to engine block
bolts 11, 17, and 20 finger tight. Tighten these bolts
down together until the bedplate contacts the cylin-
der block.
(8) To ensure correct thrust bearing alignment,
perform the following steps:
²Step 1: Rotate crankshaft until number 4 piston
is at TDC.
²Step 2: Move crankshaft rearward to limits of
travel.
²Step 3: Then, move crankshaft forward to limits
of travel.
²Step 4: Wedge an appropriate tool between the
rear of the cylinder block(NOT BED PLATE)andthe rear crankshaft counterweight. This will hold the
crankshaft in it's furthest forward position.
²Step 5: Install and tighten bolts (1±10) in
sequence shown in (Fig. 53) to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
²Step 6: Remove wedge tool used to hold crank-
shaft.
(9) Tighten bolts (1±10) again to 41 N´m (30 ft.
lbs.) +1/4 turn in sequence shown in (Fig. 53).
(10) Install main bearing bedplate to engine block
bolts (11±20), and torque each bolt to 28 N´m (20 ft.
lbs.) in sequence shown in (Fig. 53).
(11) After the main bearing bedplate is installed,
check the crankshaft turning torque. The turning
torque should not exceed 5.6 N´m (50 in. lbs.).
(12) Install balance shafts and housing assembly.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/BALANCE
SHAFT - INSTALLATION)
(13) Install the oil pump. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP - INSTALLATION)
(14) Install the timing belt rear cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(15) Install the timing belt. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION)
(16) Install the timing belt front covers. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(17) Install engine support bracket.
(18) Install the oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION)
(19) Install the oil filter.
(20) Install crankshaft rear oil seal. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - REAR - INSTALLATION)
(21) Install flex plate. Apply MopartLock & Seal
Adhesive to bolt threads and tighten to 95 N´m (70
ft. lbs.).
(22) Attach transaxle to engine. Tighten attaching
bolts to 101 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(23) Install the engine assembly. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - INSTALLATION)
CRANKSHAFT MAIN
BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MAIN BEARING
FITTING
For crankshaft specifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE
- SPECIFICATIONS).
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS
The crankshaft is supported in five main bearings.
All upper and lower bearing shells in the crankcase
have oil grooves. Crankshaft end play is controlled by
Fig. 52 Bedplate Sealing
Fig. 53 Bedplate Bolt Torque Sequence
9 - 38 ENGINE 2.4LRS
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)
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a flanged bearing on the number three main bearing
journal (Fig. 54).
Upper and lower Number 3 bearing halves are
flanged to carry the crankshaft thrust loads and are
NOT interchangeable with any other bearing halves
in the engine (Fig. 54). All bearing cap bolts removed
during service procedures are to be cleaned and oiled
before installation. Bearing shells are available in
standard and the following undersized: 0.025 mm
(0.001 in.) and 0.250 mm (0.010 in.). Never install an
undersize bearing that will reduce clearance below
specifications. Replace or machine the crankshaft as
necessary to obtain proper bearing clearances.
MAIN BEARING INSTALLATION
(1) Install the main bearing shells with the lubri-
cation groove in the cylinder block (Fig. 55).
(2) Make certain oil holes in block line up with oil
holes in bearings. Bearing tabs must seat in the
block tab slots.
CAUTION: Do not get oil on the bedplate mating
surface. It will may effect the sealer ability to seal
the bedplate to cylinder block.
(3) Oil the bearings and journals and install
crankshaft.
CAUTION: Use only the specified anaerobic sealer
on the bedplate or damage may occur to the
engine. Ensure that both cylinder block and bed-
plate surfaces are clean.
(4) Apply 1.5 to 2.0 mm (0.059 to 0.078 in.) bead
of anaerobic sealer MopartBed Plate Sealant to cyl-
inder block as shown in (Fig. 56).
Fig. 54 Main Bearing Identification
1 - OIL GROOVE
2 - MAIN BEARINGS
3 - OIL HOLE
Fig. 55 Installing Main Bearing Upper Shell
1 - LUBRICATION GROOVES
2 - OIL HOLES
Fig. 56 Main Bearing Caps/Bedplate Sealing
Fig. 57 Main Bearing Caps/Bedplate Tightening
Sequence
RSENGINE 2.4L9-39
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS (Continued)
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(5) Install lower main bearings into main bearing
cap/bedplate. Make certain the bearing tabs are
seated into the bedplate slots.
(6) Position the main bearing/bedplate onto the
engine block.
(7) Before installing bolts, lubricate the threads
with clean engine oil, wipe off any excess oil.
(8) Install main bearing bedplate to engine block
bolts 11, 17 and 20 finger tight. Tighten these bolts
down together until the bedplate contacts the cylin-
der block.
(9) To ensure correct thrust bearing alignment,
perform the following steps:
²Step 1: Rotate crankshaft until number 4 piston
is at TDC.
²Step 2: Move crankshaft rearward to limits of
travel.
²Step 3: Then, move crankshaft forward to limits
of travel.
²Step 4: Wedge an appropriate tool between the
rear of the cylinder block(NOT BED PLATE)and
the rear crankshaft counterweight. This will hold the
crankshaft in it's furthest forward position.
²Step 5: Install and tighten bolts (1±10) in
sequence shown in (Fig. 57) to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
²Step 6: Remove wedge tool used to hold crank-
shaft.
(10) Tighten bolts (1±10) again to 41 N´m (30 ft.
lbs.)PLUS1/4 turn in sequence shown in (Fig. 57).
(11) Install main bearing bedplate to engine block
bolts (11±20), and torque each bolt to 28 N´m (20 ft.
lbs.) in sequence shown in (Fig. 57).
(12) After the main bearing bedplate is installed,
check the crankshaft turning torque. The turning
torque should not exceed 5.6 N´m (50 in. lbs.).
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL -
FRONT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the crankshaft vibration damper.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION
DAMPER - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove timing belt. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove crankshaft sprocket using Special Tool
6793 and insert C-4685-C2 (Fig. 58).
CAUTION: Do not nick shaft seal surface or seal
bore.
(4) Using Tool 6771 to remove front crankshaft oil
seal (Fig. 59). Be careful not to damage the seal sur-
face of cover.INSTALLATION
(1) Install new seal by using Special Tool 6780
(Fig. 60).
(2) Place seal into opening with seal spring
towards the inside of engine. Install seal until flush
with cover.
(3) Install crankshaft sprocket using Special Tool
6792 (Fig. 61).
(4) Install timing belt. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION)
(5) Install crankshaft vibration damper. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
INSTALLATION)
Fig. 58 Crankshaft Sprocket - Removal
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6793
2 - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
Fig. 59 Front Crankshaft Oil Seal - Removal
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6771
2 - REAR TIMING BELT COVER
9 - 40 ENGINE 2.4LRS
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS (Continued)
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CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL -
REAR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove transaxle. Refer to Group 21, Tran-
saxle for procedure.
(2) Remove flex plate.
(3) Insert a 3/16 flat bladed screwdriver between
the dust lip and the metal case of the crankshaft
seal. Angle the screwdriver (Fig. 62) through the dust
lip against metal case of the seal. Pry out seal.
CAUTION: Do not permit the screwdriver blade to
contact crankshaft seal surface. Contact of the
screwdriver blade against crankshaft edge (cham-
fer) is permitted.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: If burr or scratch is present on the
crankshaft edge (chamfer), cleanup with 400 grit
sand paper to prevent seal damage during installa-
tion of new seal.
Fig. 60 Crankshaft Front Oil Seal - Installation
1 - PROTECTOR
2 - SEAL
3 - SPECIAL TOOL 6780
Fig. 61 Crankshaft Sprocket - Installation
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6792
2 - TIGHTEN NUT TO INSTALL
Fig. 62 Rear Crankshaft Oil SealÐRemoval
1 - REAR CRANKSHAFT SEAL
2 - ENGINE BLOCK
3 - ENGINE BLOCK
4 - REAR CRANKSHAFT SEAL METAL CASE
5 - PRY IN THIS DIRECTION
6 - CRANKSHAFT
7 - SCREWDRIVER
8 - REAR CRANKSHAFT SEAL DUST LIP
9 - SCREWDRIVER
RSENGINE 2.4L9-41
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - FRONT (Continued)
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NOTE: When installing seal, no lube on seal is
needed.
(1) Place Special Tool 6926-1 Seal Guide on crank-
shaft (Fig. 63).
(2) Position seal over guide tool (Fig. 63). Guide
tool should remain on crankshaft during installation
of seal. Ensure that the lip of the seal is facing
towards the crankcase during installation.
CAUTION: If the seal is driven into the block past
flush, this may cause an oil leak.
(3) Drive the seal into the block using Special Tool
6926-2 and handle C-4171 (Fig. 64) until the tool bot-
toms out against the block (Fig. 65).
(4) Install flex plate. Apply MopartLock & Seal
Adhesive to bolt threads and tighten bolts to 95 N´m
(70 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install transaxle. Refer to Group 21, Transaxle
for procedure.
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION
The pistons are made of a cast aluminum alloy.
The pistons have pressed-in pins attached to forged
powdered metal connecting rods. The pistons pin isoffset 1 mm (0.0394 in.) towards the thrust side of
the piston. The connecting rods are a cracked cap
design and are not repairable. Hex head cap screws
are used to provide alignment and durability in the
assembly. The pistons and connecting rods are ser-
viced as an assembly.
OPERATION
The piston and connecting rod is the link between
the combustion force to the crankshaft.
REMOVAL
NOTE: Cylinder Head must be removed before Pis-
tons and Rods. Refer to Cylinder Head Removal in
this section.
(1) Remove top ridge of cylinder bores with a reli-
able ridge reamer before removing pistons from cyl-
inder block.Be sure to keep tops of pistons
covered during this operation. Mark piston with
matching cylinder number (Fig. 66).
(2) Remove oil pan. Scribe the cylinder number on
the side of the rod and cap (Fig. 67) for identification.
(3) Pistons have a directional stamping in the
front half of the piston facing towards thefrontof
engine.
Fig. 63 Rear Crankshaft Seal and Special Tool
6926-1
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6926±1 PILOT
2 - SEAL
Fig. 64 Crankshaft Seal and Special Tools 6926-2 &
C-4171
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6926±1 PILOT
2 - SEAL
3 - SPECIAL TOOL 6926±2 INSTALLER
4 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4171
9 - 42 ENGINE 2.4LRS
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR (Continued)
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(4) Pistons and connecting rods must be removed
from top of cylinder block. Rotate crankshaft so that
each connecting rod is centered in cylinder bore.
(5) Remove Balance Shaft Assembly. Refer to Bal-
ance Shaft Removal in this section.
(6) Remove connecting rod cap bolts. Push each
piston and rod assembly out of cylinder bore.NOTE: Be careful not to nick crankshaft journals.
(7) After removal, install bearing cap on the mat-
ing rod.
(8) Piston and Rods are serviced as an assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Before installing pistons and connecting rod
assemblies into the bore, be sure that compression
ring gaps are staggered so that neither is in line with
oil ring rail gap.
(2) Before installing the ring compressor, make
sure the oil ring expander ends are butted and the
rail gaps located as shown in (Fig. 68). As viewed
from top.
(3) Immerse the piston head and rings in clean
engine oil, slide the ring compressor, over the piston
(Fig. 69).Be sure position of rings does not
change during this operation.
(4) The directional stamp on the piston should face
toward the front of the engine (Fig. 66).
Fig. 65 Rear Crankshaft SealÐInstallation
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6926±2 INSTALLER
Fig. 66 Piston Markings
1 - DIRECTIONAL ARROW WILL BE IMPRINTED IN THIS AREA
Fig. 67 Identify Connecting Rod to Cylinder
Fig. 68 Piston Ring End Gap Position
1 - GAP OF LOWER SIDE RAIL
2 - NO. 1 RING GAP
3 - GAP OF UPPER SIDE RAIL
4 - NO. 2 RING GAP AND SPACER EXPANDER GAP
RSENGINE 2.4L9-43
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)
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