DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2001 Service Manual

DESCRIPTION - PUSHRODS
The pushrods are made of steel and are a hollow
design. The pushrods are positioned between the
hydraulic lifter and the rocker arm.
OPERATION - ROCKER ARMS
The rocker arm pivots on the rocker shaft. Rocker
arms are used to translate up and down motions pro-
vided by the camshaft, hydraulic lifter, and pushrod
on one end, into a down and up motions on the valve
stem on the opposing end.
OPERATION - PUSHRODS
The pushrod is a solid link between the hydraulic
lifter and the rocker arm. Also, the pushrod supplies
engine oil from the hydraulic lifter to the rocker arm.
REMOVAL - ROCKER ARMS AND SHAFT
(1) Remove the cylinder head cover(s). (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
NOTE: Rocker arm shaft bolts are captured to the
shaft.(2) Loosen the rocker shaft bolts (Fig. 38), rotating
one turn each, until all valve spring pressure is
relieved.
(3) Remove the rocker arms and shaft assembly
(Fig. 38).
(4) For rocker arm disassembly procedures, (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER ARMS -
DISASSEMBLY).
Fig. 39 ROCKER ARM RETAINER - REMOVAL
1 - ADJUSTABLE PLIERS 3 - ROCKER ARM RETAINER
2 - ROCKER SHAFT BOLT
Fig. 38 ROCKER ARMS AND SHAFT
1 - ROCKER ARMS AND SHAFT ASSEMBLY
2 - ROCKER SHAFT BOLTS
9 - 104 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ROCKER ARMS (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

DISASSEMBLY - ROCKER ARMS AND SHAFT
CAUTION: Do not attempt to drive the bolt from the
rocker shaft. This can damage the retainer and bolt
assembly.
(1) Remove the rocker arm retainer and bolt by
performing the following procedure:
(a) Using adjustable pliers, grip the edges of the
retainer (Fig. 39).
(b) Apply an upward force with a slight rocking
motion until the retainer disengages from shaft
(Fig. 39).
(2) Remove rocker arms (Fig. 40). Identify the
component locations for reassembly in original loca-
tions.
ASSEMBLY - ROCKER ARMS AND SHAFT
(1) Install rocker arms on the shaft (Fig. 40).
Install in the orginal positions if re-used.Ensurethe
rocker shaft, all the retainers and washers are prop-
erly positioned and installed in the correct locations
(Fig. 40).(2) Install rocker arms and shaft to the cylinder
head. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/
ROCKER ARMS - INSTALLATION)
INSTALLATION - ROCKER ARMS AND SHAFT
CAUTION: Ensure the longer shaft retaining bolt is
installed in the proper location on the rocker shaft.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER
ARMS - ASSEMBLY)
(1) Position the rocker arm and shaft assemblies
on the pedestal mounts.
CAUTION: Ensure all pushrods are properly located
on the lifter and the rocker arm socket.
(2) Align each rocker arm socket with each push-
rod end.
CAUTION: The rocker arm shaft should be tight-
ened down slowly, starting with the center bolts.
Allow 20 minutes lifter bleed down time after instal-
lation of the rocker shafts before engine operation.
Fig. 40 ROCKER ARMS AND SHAFT
1 - BOLT (ROCKER SHAFT OIL FEED - LONGER LENGTH) 5 - ROCKER ARM - EXHAUST
2 - SHAFT RETAINER/SPACER - 21.5 mm (0.84 in.) 6 - WASHER
3 -SHAFT RETAINER/SPACER - 37.5 mm (1.47 in.) 7 - ROCKER ARM - INTAKE (LARGER OFFSET)
4 - SHAFT RETAINER/SPACER - 40.9 mm (1.61 in.) 8 - ROCKER ARMS LUBRICATION FEED HOLE (POSITION
UPWARD & TOWARD VALVE SPRING_
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 105
ROCKER ARMS (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(3) Slowly tighten rocker shaft bolts evenly until
shaft is seated. Tighten bolts to 23 N´m (200 in. lbs.)
(Fig. 41).
(4) Install the cylinder head cover(s). (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
VALVE STEM SEALS
DESCRIPTION
The valve stem seals are made of Viton rubber. The
seals are positioned over the valve stem and seated
on the valve guide (Fig. 42).
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the valve springs. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/VALVE SPRINGS -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the valve stem seal (Fig. 42).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the valve stem seal squarely over the
valve guide, using the valve stem as a guide (Fig.
42). 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 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 proce-
dure. In addition to deglazing, it will reduce taper and
out-of-round as well as removing light scuffing, scor-
ing or scratches. Usually a few strokes will clean up a
bore and maintain the required limits.
(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. 43).
(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.
Fig. 41 ROCKER ARMS AND SHAFT
1 - ROCKER ARMS AND SHAFT ASSEMBLY
2 - ROCKER SHAFT BOLTS
Fig. 42 Valve Stem Seal
9 - 106 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ROCKER ARMS (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

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.
44). (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. 44). 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).
CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN
BLOCK)
DESCRIPTION
The nodular iron camshaft is mounted in the
engine block and supported with four steel backed
aluminum bearings (Fig. 45). A thrust plate, located
in front of the first bearing, is bolted to the block and
controls the camshaft end play (Fig. 45). 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. 46). 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)
Remove the cylinder heads. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the timing chain and camshaft
sprocket. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/
Fig. 43 Cylinder Bore Cross-Hatch Pattern
1 - CROSS-HATCH PATTERN
2 - 40ɱ60É
Fig. 44 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 107
ENGINE BLOCK (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS -
REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the hydraulic lifters. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/HYDRAULIC LIFTERS
(CAM IN BLOCK) - REMOVAL). Identify each tappet
for reinstallation in original location.
(4) Remove camshaft thrust plate (Fig. 45).
(5) Install a long bolt into front of camshaft to
facilitate removal of the camshaft.
(6) Remove the camshaft (Fig. 45), 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. 47). 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. 47) 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.
45). 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)
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
Fig. 45 CAMSHAFT AND BEARINGS
1 - CAMSHAFT
2 - THRUST PLATE
3 - BOLT
4 - CAMSHAFT BEARINGS (SERVICED WITH BLOCK)
Fig. 46 CAMSHAFT IDENTIFICATION
1 - CAMSHAFT - 3.3L ENGINE
2 - CAST-IN RING
3 - CAMSHAFT - 3.8L ENGINE
4 - MACHINED CAST-IN RING
Fig. 47 Checking Camshaft for Wear (Typical)
1 - UNWORN AREA
2 - ACTUAL WEAR
3 - BEARING JOURNAL
4 - LOBE
5 - WEAR ZONE
9 - 108 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN BLOCK) (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

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)
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
CONNECTING ROD BEARING CLEARANCE
The bearing caps are not interchangeable and
should be marked at removal to ensure correct
assembly. 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. Fit all rods on one bank until com-
plete. Connecting rod bearings are available in the
standard size and the following undersizes: 0.025
mm (0.001 in.) and 0.250 mm (0.010 in.).
CAUTION: Install the bearings in pairs. Do not use a
new bearing half with an old bearing half. Do not
file the rods or bearing caps.
Measure connecting rod journal for taper and out-
of-round. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/
CRANKSHAFT - INSPECTION)
The connecting rod bearing clearances can be
determined by use of Plastigage or the equivalent.
The following is the recommended procedure for the
use of Plastigage:
(1) Rotate the crankshaft until the connecting rod
to be checked is at the bottom of its stroke.
(2) Remove oil film from surface to be checked.
Plastigage is soluble in oil.
(3) Place a piece of Plastigage across the entire
width of the bearing shell in the bearing cap approx-
imately 6.35 mm (1/4 in.) off center and away from
the oil hole. In addition, suspect areas can be
checked by placing Plastigage in that area.
(4) Assemble the rod cap with Plastigage in place.
Tighten the rod cap to the specified torque.Do not
rotate the crankshaft while assembling the cap
or the Plastigage may be smeared, giving inac-
curate results.(5) Remove the bearing cap and compare the
width of the flattened Plastigage with the scale pro-
vided on the package (Fig. 48). Locate the band clos-
est to the same width. This band indicates the
amount of oil clearance. Differences in readings
between the ends indicate the amount of taper
present. Record all readings taken. Refer to Engine
Specifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICA-
TIONS).Plastigage generally is accompanied by
two scales. One scale is in inches, the other is a
metric scale. If the bearing clearance exceeds
wear limit specification, replace the bearing.
CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION - 3.3L
The nodular iron crankshaft is supported by four
main bearings, with number two position the thrust
bearing (Fig. 49). Crankshaft end sealing is provided
by front and rear rubber seals.
DESCRIPTION - 3.8L
The nodular iron crankshaft is supported by four
main bearings, with number two position providing
thrust bearing location (Fig. 50). Each main bearing
cap has two vertical retaining bolts. The two center
main caps have horizontal bolts to add increased
rigidity to the lower engine block (Fig. 50). Crank-
shaft end sealing is provided by front and rear rub-
ber seals.
Fig. 48 Measuring Connecting Rod Bearing
Clearance
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 109
CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN BLOCK) (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

OPERATION
The crankshaft transfers force generated by com-
bustion within the cylinder to the flywheel or flex-
plate.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CRANKSHAFT END
PLAY
(1) Mount a dial indicator to front of engine with
the locating probe on nose of crankshaft (Fig. 51).
(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 9 - ENGINE -
SPECIFICATIONS) for end play specification.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the engine assembly. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - REMOVAL)
(2) Separate transaxle from engine.
(3) Mount engine on an engine stand.
(4) Remove the oil filter.
(5) Remove the oil pan and oil pick-up tube. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN -
REMOVAL)
(6) Remove the timing chain cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
Fig. 49 CRANKSHAFT AND ENGINE BLOCK - 3.3L
1 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 4
2 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 3
3 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 2
4 - MAIN BEARING CAP BOLT (QTY. 2 PER CAP)
5 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 1
6 - LOWER MAIN BEARING - THRUST
7 - UPPER MAIN BEARING - THRUST
8 - ENGINE BLOCK
9 - UPPER MAIN BEARINGS
10 - CRANKSHAFT
11 - LOWER MAIN BEARINGS
Fig. 50 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
9 - 110 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(7) Remove timing chain and sprockets. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN
AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
(8) Remove crankshaft rear oil seal and retainer.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANK-
SHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR - REMOVAL)
(9) Rotate the crankshaft until connecting rod cap
is accessible.
(10) Mark connecting rod cap position using a suit-
able marker/scribe tool.
(11) Remove connecting rod bearing cap. Use care
to prevent damage to the crankshaft bearing sur-
faces.
(12) Repeat removal procedure for each connecting
rod cap.
(13) Remove and discard the main bearing cross
bolts and washers (3.8L engine only).
NOTE: Install new cross bolt and washer assembly
(3.8L engine only) upon reassembly.
(14) Remove the main bearing cap bolts
(15) Remove the main bearing caps.
(16) Remove the crankshaft from engine block.
INSPECTION
The crankshaft journals should be checked for
excessive wear, taper and scoring (Fig. 52). 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 bein the same direction as normal rotation in the
engine.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate with engine oil and install the crank-
shaft main bearing halves in the engine block.
(2) Position the crankshaft in engine block (Fig.
54).
(3) Perform main bearing fitting procedure. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT
MAIN BEARINGS - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(4) Inspect main cap bolts for stretching (Fig. 53).
Replace bolts that are stretched.
NOTE: The main cap bolts should be examined
before reuse. Bolt stretch can be checked by hold-
ing a scale or straight edge against the threads. If
all the threads do not contact the scale the bolt
must be replaced (Fig. 53).
(5) Install the main bearing caps and bolts.
Tighten bolts to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.) plus
1¤4turn.
Fig. 51 Checking Crankshaft End PlayÐTypical
Fig. 52 Crankshaft Journal Measurements
Fig. 53 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 - 111
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

NOTE: Install new cross bolt and washer assembly
(3.8L engine only) upon reassembly.
(6) Install and tighten the NEW cross bolts and
washer assemblies (3.8L engine only) to 61 N´m (45
ft. lbs.) (Fig. 55).
(7) Position and install the connecting rod and
bearing caps on the crankshaft. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CONNECTING ROD
BEARINGS - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(8) Install the crankshaft rear oil seal. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - REAR - INSTALLATION)(9) Install the crankshaft sprocket. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN
AND SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION)
(10) Install the timing chain and camshaft
sprocket. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/
TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS -
INSTALLATION)
(11) Install the timing chain cover.
(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)
Fig. 54 CRANKSHAFT AND BLOCK - 3.3L
1 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 4
2 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 3
3 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 2
4 - MAIN BEARING CAP BOLT (QTY. 2 PER CAP)
5 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 1
6 - LOWER MAIN BEARING - THRUST
7 - UPPER MAIN BEARING - THRUST
8 - ENGINE BLOCK
9 - UPPER MAIN BEARINGS
10 - CRANKSHAFT
11 - LOWER MAIN BEARINGS
Fig. 55 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
9 - 112 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

CRANKSHAFT MAIN
BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MAIN BEARING
FITTING
Bearing caps are not interchangeable and should
be marked at removal to insure correct assembly
(Fig. 56). Upper and lower bearing halves are NOT
interchangeable. Lower main bearing halves of 1, 3
and 4 are interchangeable. Upper main bearing
halves of 1, 3 and 4 are interchangeable.
Upper and lower number 2 bearing halves are
flanged to carry the crankshaft thrust loads and are
NOT interchangeable with any other bearing halves
in the engine (Fig. 57). All bearing cap bolts removed
during service procedures are to be cleaned and
lubricated with engine oil before installation. Bearing
shells are available in standard and the following
undersizes: 0.025 mm (0.001 in.) and 0.254 mm
(0.010 in). Never install an undersize bearing that
will reduce clearance below specifications.
CRANKSHAFT BEARING OIL CLEARANCE
Inspect the crankshaft bearing journals. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT -
INSPECTION)
Engine crankshaft bearing clearances can be deter-
mined by use of Plastigage or the equivalent. The fol-
lowing is the recommended procedures for the use of
Plastigage with the engine in the vehicle or engine
on a repair stand.PLASTIGAGE METHODÐENGINE IN-VEHICLE
NOTE: The total clearance of the main bearings can
only be determined with the engine in the vehicle
by removing the weight of the crankshaft. This can
be accomplished by either of two following meth-
ods:
(1) Preferred method:
²Shim the bearings adjacent to the bearing to be
checked in order to remove the clearance between
upper bearing shell and the crankshaft. This can be
accomplished by placing a minimum of 0.254 mm
(0.010 in.) shim (e. g. cardboard, matchbook cover,
etc.) between the bearing shell and the bearing cap
on the adjacent bearings and tightening bolts to
14±20 N´m (10±15 ft. lbs.).
²When checking #1 main bearing shim #2 main
bearing.
²When checking #2 main bearing shim #1 & #3
main bearing.
²When checking #3 main bearing shim #2 & #4
main bearing.
²When checking #4 main bearing shim #3 main
bearing.
NOTE: Remove all shims before reassembling
engine.
Fig. 56 Main Bearing Cap Identification
Fig. 57 Main Bearing Identification
1 - OIL GROOVES
2 - OIL HOLES
3 - UPPER BEARINGS
4 - LOWER BEARINGS
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 113
ProCarManuals.com