DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2004 Service Manual

(4) Place a piece of Plastigage across the entire
width of the bearing shell in the cap approximately
6.35 mm (1/4 in.) off center and away from the oil
holes (Fig. 69). (In addition, suspected areas can be
checked by placing the Plastigage in the suspected
area). Torque the bearing cap bolts of the bearing
being checked to the proper specifications.
(5) Remove the bearing cap and compare the width
of the flattened Plastigage (Fig. 70) with the scale
provided on the package. Locate the band closest to
the same width. This band shows the amount of
clearance in thousandths. Differences in readings
between the ends indicate the amount of taper
present. Record all readings taken. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS)Plastigage gener-
ally is accompanied by two scales. One scale is
in inches, the other is a metric scale.
NOTE: Plastigage is available in a variety of clear-
ance ranges. Use the most appropriate range for
the specifications you are checking.
PLASTIGAGE METHODÐENGINE OUT-OF-VEHICLE
(1) With engine in the inverted position (crank-
shaft up) and mounted on a repair stand, remove
main journal cap.
(2) Remove oil from journal and bearing shell.
(3) Cut Plastigage to same length as width of the
bearing and place it in parallel with the journal axis
(Fig. 69).(4) Carefully install the main bearing cap and
tighten the bolts to specified torque.
CAUTION: Do not rotate crankshaft or the Plasti-
gage will be smeared.
(5) Carefully remove the bearing cap and measure
the width of the Plastigage at the widest part using
the scale on the Plastigage package (Fig. 70). Refer
to Engine Specifications for proper clearances (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS). If the clearance
exceeds the specified limits, replace the main bear-
ing(s) with the appropriate size, and if necessary,
have the crankshaft machined to next undersize.
REMOVAL - CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS
(1) Remove the oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(2) Identify main bearing caps before removal.
(3) Remove bearing caps one at a time. Remove
upper half of bearing by inserting Special Main Bear-
ing Tool C-3059 (Fig. 71) into the oil hole of crank-
shaft.
(4) Slowly rotate crankshaft clockwise, forcing out
upper half of bearing shell.
INSTALLATION - CRANKSHAFT MAIN
BEARINGS
NOTE: One main bearing should be selectively fit-
ted while all other main bearing caps are properly
tightened.
Fig. 69 Plastigage Placed in Lower
1 - PLASTIGAGE
Fig. 70 Clearance Measurement
Fig. 71 Upper Main Bearing Removing/Installing
With Special Tool C-3059
1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3059
2 - BEARING
3 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3059
4 - BEARING
9 - 124 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS (Continued)

(1) For main bearing fitting procedure, (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT MAIN
BEARINGS - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Start bearing in place, and insert Main Bearing
Tool C-3059 into oil hole of crankshaft (Fig. 71).
(3) Slowly rotate crankshaft counterclockwise slid-
ing the bearing into position. Remove Special Main
Bearing Tool C-3059.
(4) Inspect main cap bolts for stretching (Fig. 72).
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. 72).
(5) Install each main cap and tighten bolts finger
tight.
(6) Tighten number 1, 3 and 4 main cap bolts to 41
N´m + 1/4 Turn (30 ft. lbs.+ 1/4 Turn).
(7) Rotate the crankshaft until the number 6 pis-
ton is at TDC.
(8) To ensure correct thrust bearing alignment the
following procedure must be done:
a. Move crankshaft all the way to the rear of its
travel.
b. Then, move crankshaft all the way to the front
of its travel.
c. Wedge an appropriate tool between the rear of
the cylinder block and rear crankshaft counter-
weight. This will hold the crankshaft in it's most for-
ward position.
d. Tighten the #2 Thrust Bearing cap bolts to 41
N´m + 1/4 Turn (30 ft. lbs.+ 1/4 Turn). Remove the
holding tool.
(9) Install oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION)
(10) Fill engine crankcase with proper oil to cor-
rect level.CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - 3.3L
The nodular iron crankshaft is supported by four
main bearings, with number two position the thrust
bearing (Fig. 75). 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. 76). 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. 76). Crank-
shaft end sealing is provided by front and rear rub-
ber seals.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
CRANKSHAFT END PLAY
(1) Mount a dial indicator to front of engine with
the locating probe on nose of crankshaft (Fig. 73).
(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.
Fig. 72 Check for Stretched (Necked) Bolts
1 - STRETCHED BOLT
2 - THREADS ARE NOT STRAIGHT ON LINE
3 - THREADS ARE STRAIGHT ON LINE
4 - UNSTRETCHED BOLT
Fig. 73 Checking Crankshaft End PlayÐTypical
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 125
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS (Continued)

(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 CHAIN COVER -
REMOVAL).
(7) Remove timing chain and sprockets (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING 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 surfaces.
(12) Repeat removal procedure for each connecting
rod cap.
(13) Remove and discard the main bearing cross
bolts and washers (3.8L engine only) (Fig. 76).
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
(Fig. 75) or (Fig. 76).
INSTALLATION
(1) For main bearing identification, refer to (Fig.
68). Lubricate with engine oil and install the crank-
shaft main bearing halves in the engine block.
(2) Position the crankshaft in engine block (Fig.
75) or (Fig. 76).
(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. 74).
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. 74).
(5) Install the main bearing caps and bolts.
Tighten bolts to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.) plus
1¤4turn.
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. 76).
Fig. 74 Check for Stretched (Necked) Bolts
1 - STRETCHED BOLT
2 - THREADS ARE NOT STRAIGHT ON LINE
3 - THREADS ARE STRAIGHT ON LINE
4 - UNSTRETCHED BOLT
Fig. 75 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
9 - 126 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)

(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 CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION).
(10) Install the timing chain and camshaft
sprocket (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIM-
ING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION).
(11) Install the timing chain cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING CHAIN COVER -
INSTALLATION).(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).
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL -
FRONT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Raise vehicle on hoist. Remove right wheel and
inner splash shield.
(3) Remove accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(4) Remove crankshaft damper. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
REMOVAL)
(5) Position Special Tool 6341A on crankshaft nose.
Carefully screw the tool into the seal until it engages
firmly (Fig. 77). Be careful not to damage that crank-
shaft seal surface of cover
(6) Remove oil seal by turning the forcing screw
until the seal disengages from the cover (Fig. 78).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position Special Tool C-4992-2 Guide, on the
crankshaft nose (Fig. 79).
(2) Position new seal over the guide with the seal
spring in the direction of the engine front cover (Fig.
79).
(3) Install seal using Special Tool C-4992-1 until
seal is flush with cover. (Fig. 79).
Fig. 76 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
Fig. 77 Engaging Tool into Seal
1 - SEAL
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6341A
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 127
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)

(4) Install crankshaft damper. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
INSTALLATION)
(5) Install accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTAL-
LATION)
(6) Install inner splash shield and right front
wheel.
(7) Lower vehicle and connect negative cable to
battery.
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL -
REAR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the transaxle. Refer to TRANSAXLE
AND POWER TRANSFER UNIT for procedure.
(2) Remove the flex plate. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
ENGINE BLOCK/FLEX PLATE - REMOVAL)
(3) Insert a 3/16 flat bladed pry tool between the
dust lip and the metal case of the crankshaft seal.
Angle the pry tool (Fig. 80) through the dust lip
against metal case of the seal. Pry out seal.
CAUTION: Do not permit the pry tool blade to con-
tact crankshaft seal surface. Contact of the pry tool
blade against crankshaft edge (chamfer) is permit-
ted.
Fig. 78 Crankshaft Front Seal Removal
1 - SEAL
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6341A
Fig. 79 CRANKSHAFT FRONT SEAL INSTALLATION
1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4992-1
2 - SEAL
3 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4992-2
4 - CRANKSHAFT
Fig. 80 Crankshaft Rear Oil Seal - Removal
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
9 - 128 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - FRONT (Continued)

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.
(1) Place Special Tool 6926-1 magnetic pilot tool on
crankshaft (Fig. 81).
(2) Place seal over Special Tool 6926-1 Pilot. Using
Special Tool 6926-2 Installer with C-4171 Handle,
drive seal into the retainer housing (Fig. 81).
(3) Install the flex plate. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
ENGINE BLOCK/FLEX PLATE - INSTALLATION)
(4) Install transaxle. Refer to TRANSAXLE AND
POWER TRANSFER UNIT for procedure.
CRANKSHAFT REAR OIL SEAL
RETAINER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove crankshaft rear oil seal (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - REAR - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove oil seal retainer screws (Fig. 82).
(4) Remove oil seal retainer (Fig. 82).
(5) Clean engine block and retainer of oil and gas-
ket material. Make sure surfaces are clean and free
of oil.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position new gasket and install retainer on
block (Fig. 82). Tighten attaching screws to 12 N´m
(105 in. lbs.).
(2) Install oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION).
(3) Install oil seal (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE
BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 81 Rear Crankshaft Oil SealÐInstallation
1 - SPECIAL TOOLS:
2 - C-4171 HANDLE
3 - 6926±2 INSTALLER
4 - 6926±1 GUIDE
5 - SEAL
Fig. 82 CRANKSHAFT REAR OIL SEAL
1 - OIL SEAL
2 - BOLT
3 - RETAINER - OIL SEAL
4 - GASKET
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 129
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR (Continued)

VIBRATION DAMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(3) Remove the right front wheel and inner splash
shield.
(4) Remove the accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(5) Remove vibration damper bolt.
(6) Insert Special Tool 8450 into crankshaft nose
(Fig. 83).
(7) Position 3-jaw puller Special Tool 1026 on
damper as shown in (Fig. 83). Turn puller forcing
screw until damper releases from crankshaft.
(8) Remove the crankshaft vibration damper.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install crankshaft vibration damper using the
forcing screw, nut, and thrust bearing/washer from
Special Tool 8452 (Fig. 84).NOTE: To minimize friction and prolong tool life,
lubricate the threads on the forcing screw of Spe-
cial Tool 8452.
(2) Position vibration damper on crankshaft.
(3) Screw Special Tool 8452 into crankshaft until
the bolt seats. Turn the nut to install damper until it
seats fully.
(4) Remove Special Tool 8452.
(5) Install vibration damper bolt. Torque bolt to 54
N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install the accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION)
(7) Install inner splash shield and right front
wheel.
(8) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 83 Vibration Damper - Removal
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8450 - INSERT
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 1026-3JAWPULLER
Fig. 84 Vibration Damper - Installation
1 - FORCING SCREW / NUT FROM SPECIAL TOOL 8452
2 - VIBRATION DAMPER
3 - THRUST BEARING / WASHER
9 - 130 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS

FLEX PLATE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the transaxle (Refer to 21 - TRANS-
MISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 41TE -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove flex plate attaching bolts.
(3) Remove the flex plate (Fig. 85).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position flex plate with backing plate on the
crankshaft (Fig. 85).
(2) Apply MopartLock & Seal Adhesive to the flex
plate bolts.
(3) Install flex plate bolts (Fig. 85). Tighten bolts
to 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the transaxle (Refer to 21 - TRANSMIS-
SION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 41TE - INSTAL-
LATION).
ENGINE MOUNTING
DESCRIPTION
The engine mounting system consist of four
mounts; right and a left side support the powertrain,
and a front and a rear mount control powertrain
torque. The right side mount is a hydro-type (Fig.
86), all others are of molded rubber material.
FRONT MOUNT
REMOVAL
(1) Support the engine and transmission assembly
with a floor jack so it will not rotate.
(2) Remove the front engine mount through bolt
from the insulator and front crossmember mounting
bracket (Fig. 87).
(3) Remove six screws from air dam to allow
access to the front mount screws.
(4) Remove the front engine mount screws and
remove the insulator assembly (Fig. 87).
(5) Remove the front mounting bracket, if neces-
sary (Fig. 87).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the front mounting bracket, if removed
(Fig. 87).
(2) Install the front engine mount through bolt
from the insulator and front crossmember mounting
bracket (Fig. 87).
(3) Install the insulator assembly and mounting
screws (Fig. 87).
Fig. 85 FLEX PLATE
1 - FLEX PLATE
2 - BOLT (QTY. 8)
3 - BACKING PLATE
Fig. 86 Engine Hydro-type Mount - Right Side
1 - BOLT
2 - BOLT
3 - FRAME RAIL
4 - RIGHT MOUNT - 2.4L ENGINE
5 - RIGHT MOUNT - 3.3/3.8L ENGINE
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 131

Fig. 87 Engine Mounting - Front
1 - CROSSMEMBER 5 - BOLT 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.)
2 - BOLT - 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.) 6 - NUT - 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.)
3 - BOLT - 102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.) 7 - MOUNT - ENGINE FRONT
4 - BOLT - 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.) 8 - BRACKET - ENGINE FRONT MOUNT
9 - 132 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
FRONT MOUNT (Continued)

LEFT MOUNT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle on hoist.
(2) Remove the left front wheel.
(3) Remove the left mount through bolt access
cover.
(4) Support the transaxle with a suitable jack.
(5) Remove the engine front mount through bolt to
allow left mount removal clearance (Fig. 87).
(6) Remove the left mount through frame rail bolt
(Fig. 88).
(7) Lower transaxle for access to horizontal bolts.
(8) Remove the horizontal bolts from the mount to
the transaxle (Fig. 89).
NOTE: To remove mount, additional lowering of
transaxle may be required.
(9) Remove left mount.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install left mount on transaxle (Fig. 89).
(2) Raise transaxle with jack until left mount is in
position.
(3) Install left mount through bolt (Fig. 88).
(4) Install left mount through bolt access cover.
(5) Install front mount through bolt (Fig. 87).
(6) Install left front wheel.
(7) Lower vehicle.
REAR MOUNT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Remove the rear mount heat shield (Fig. 90).
(3) Remove the through bolt from the mount and
rear mount bracket (Fig. 91).
(4) Remove the mount bolts (Fig. 91).
(5) Remove the rear mount (Fig. 91).
(6) For rear mount bracket removal, remove the
bolts attaching bracket to transaxle (Fig. 92).
(7) Remove rear mount bracket.
Fig. 88 LEFT MOUNT TO BRACKET
1 - BOLT - BRACKET TO FRAME RAIL 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.)
2 - BOLT - MOUNT TO RAIL THRU 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.)
3 - BOLT - LEFT MOUNT TO TRANSAXLE 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.)
4 - TRANSAXLE
5 - MOUNT - LEFT
6 - BRACKET - LEFT MOUNT
Fig. 89 LEFT MOUNT - 41TE TRANSAXLE
1 - LEFT MOUNT ASSEMBLY
2 - BOLT - 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.)
3 - TRANSAXLE - 41TE
Fig. 90 REAR MOUNT HEAT SHIELD
1 - BOLT - HEAT SHIELD 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.)
2 - HEAT SHIELD
3 - CLIP
4 - REAR MOUNT
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 133