checking oil DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2004 Service Manual

FLUID FILL/CHECK
LOCATIONS
DESCRIPTION
The fluid check/fill point locations are located in
each applicable service manual section.
LUBRICATION POINTS
DESCRIPTION
Lubrication point locations are located in each
applicable Sections.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
There are two maintenance schedules that show
therequiredservice for your vehicle.
First is ScheduleªBº. It is for vehicles that are
operated under the conditions that are listed below
and at the beginning of the schedule.
²Day or night temperatures are below 32É F (0É
C).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 90É F (32É C).
²Trailer towing.L
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).L
²Off-road or desert operation.
NOTE: Most vehicles are operated under the condi-
tions listed for Schedule(B(.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are
not operated under any of the conditions listed under
Schedule9B9.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving
conditions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow
the interval that occurs first.
CAUTION: Failure to perform the required mainte-
nance items may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after
a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil
level while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil
only when the level is at or below the ADD or MIN
mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the
terminals as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transmission; add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-
ponents.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
Tire Rotation
²Rotate the tires at 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
SCHEDULE B
Follow schedule ªBº if you usually operate your
vehicle under one or more of the following conditions.
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter
every 60,000 miles (96 000 km) if the vehicle is usu-
ally operated under one or more of the conditions
marked with anL.
²Day or night temperatures are below 32É F (0É
C).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 90É F (32É C).
²Trailer towing.L
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).L
²Off-road or desert operation.
RSLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE0-7

* This maintenance is recommended by the manu-
facture to the owner but is not required to maintain
the emissions warranty.
³ This maintenance is not required if previously
replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
Retain all receipts.
WARNING: You can be badly injured working on or
around a motor vehicle. Do only that service work
for which you have the knowledge and the right
equipment. If you have any doubt about your ability
to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a
competent mechanic.
DESCRIPTION - EXPORT
There are two maintenance schedules that show
therequiredservice for your vehicle.
First is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under
Schedule9B9.
Second is ScheduleªBº. It is for vehicles that are
operated under the conditions that are listed below
and at the beginning of the schedule.
²Day or night temperatures are below 0É C (32É
F).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 32É C (90É F).
²Trailer towing.L
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).L
²Off-road or desert operation.
NOTE: Most vehicles are operated under the condi-
tions listed for Schedule(B(.Use the schedule that best describes your driving
conditions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow
the interval that occurs first.
CAUTION: Failure to perform the required mainte-
nance items may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after
a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil
level while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil
only when the level is at or below the ADD or MIN
mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the
terminals as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transmission, add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-
ponents.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown on Schedule ªAº 12 000 km (7,500 miles) or
every other interval shown on Schedule ªBº 10 000
km (6,000 miles).
RSLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE0-15
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

DESCRIPTION ± DIESEL ENGINES ± EXPORT
There are two maintenance schedules that show
therequiredservice for your vehicle.
First is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under
Schedule9B9.
Second is ScheduleªBº. It is for vehicles that are
operated under the conditions that are listed below
and at the beginning of the schedule.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 32É C (90É F).
²Trailer towing.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
NOTE: Most vehicles are operated under the condi-
tions listed for Schedule(B(.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving
conditions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow
the interval that occurs first.
CAUTION: Failure to perform the required mainte-
nance items may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after
a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil
level while the vehicle is on level ground willimprove the accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil
only when the level is at or below the ADD or MIN
mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check the tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the
terminals as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant deaeration bot-
tle, brake master cylinder and transmission, add as
needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-
ponents.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect engine accessory drive belts. Replace as
necessary.
²Inspect for the presence of water in the fuel fil-
ter/water separator unit.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval (20
000 km).
SCHEDULE A - DIESEL ENGINES
Kilometers 20 000 km 40 000 km 60 000 km 80 000 km 100 000
km
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXX X
Inspect engine air filter element. Replace as
necessary.XX X
Replace engine air filter element X X
Replace fuel filter/water separator unit.XXXX X
Inspect timing belt tensioner and replace if
necessary. ³X
Replace engine timing belt and idler
pulleys.X
Check front end alignment. X X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X X
Inspect the brake linings.XXXX X
0 - 24 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCERS
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

rotate inner tie rods of steering gear (Fig. 12) to set
front toe to the preferred toe specification. (Refer to 2
- SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - SPECIFI-
CATIONS)
(3) Tighten tie rod jam nuts (Fig. 12) to 75 N´m
(55 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Adjust steering gear to tie rod boots at the
inner tie rod.
(5) Remove steering wheel clamp.
(6) Remove the alignment equipment.
(7) Road test the vehicle to verify the steering
wheel is straight and the vehicle does not wander or
pull.STANDARD PROCEDURE - CURB HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT
The wheel alignment is to be checked and all align-
ment adjustments made with the vehicle at its
required curb height specification.
Vehicle height is to be checked with the vehicle on
a flat, level surface, preferably a vehicle alignment
rack. The tires are to be inflated to the recommended
pressure. All tires are to be the same size as stan-
dard equipment. Vehicle height is checked with the
fuel tank full of fuel, and no passenger or luggage
compartment load.
Vehicle height is not adjustable. If the measure-
ment is not within specifications, inspect the vehicle
for bent or weak suspension components. Compare
the parts tag on the suspect coil spring(s) to the
parts book and the vehicle sales code, checking for a
match. Once removed from the vehicle, compare the
coil spring height to a correct new or known good coil
spring. The heights should vary if the suspect spring
is weak.
(1) Measure from the inboard edge of the wheel
opening fender lip directly above the wheel center
(spindle), to the floor or alignment rack surface.
(2) When measuring, the maximum left-to-right
differential is not to exceed 12.5 mm (0.5 in.).
(3) Compare the measurements to the specifica-
tions listed in the following Curb Height Specifica-
tions charts.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE FRONT REAR
CARGO VAN755mm 11mm
29.72 in.   0.43 in795mm 11mm
31.30 in.   0.43 in.
ALL OTHERS755mm 11mm
29.72 in.   0.43 in770mm 11mm
30.31 in.   0.43 in.
Fig. 12 Front Wheel Toe Adjustment
1 - INNER TIE ROD SERRATION
2 - OUTER TIE ROD JAM NUT
3 - OUTER TIE ROD END
4 - INNER TIE ROD
5 - STEERING KNUCKLE
RSWHEEL ALIGNMENT2-55
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

(3) Install the disc brake caliper over the brake
shoes on the brake caliper adapter.
(4) Align the caliper guide pin bolt holes with the
guide pins. Install the caliper guide pin bolts and
tighten them to a torque of 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.) (Fig.
43).
(5) Install the tire and wheel assembly. Tighten
the wheel mounting nuts to a torque of 135 N´m (100
ft. lbs.).
(6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Pump the brake pedal several times before
moving the vehicle to set the shoes to the brake
rotor.
DRUM
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the
vehicle
(3) Remove the rear brake shoe adjusting hole
cover plug.
(4) Insert a thin screwdriver into brake adjusting
hole and hold adjusting lever away from notches of
adjusting screw star wheel.
(5) Insert another thin screwdriver into brake
adjusting hole and engage notches of brake adjusting
screw star wheel. Release brake adjustment by pry-
ing down with adjusting tool.
(6) Remove rear brake drum from rear hub/bear-
ing assembly.NOTE: It may be necessary to insert M8 X 1.25 MM
bolts into the two removal holes on the drum to
force the drum off the hub.
INSTALLATION
(1) Adjust brake shoe assemblies so as not to inter-
fere with brake drum installation.
(2) Install the rear brake drums on the hubs.
(3) Adjust drum brake shoes as necessary per pro-
cedure found in the Adjustment section of this ser-
vice manual group (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DRUM -
ADJUSTMENTS).
(4) Install wheel and tire assembly.
(5) Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in
proper sequence until all nuts are torqued to half
specification. Then repeat the tightening sequence to
the full specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(6) Lower the vehicle.
FLUID
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE FLUID
CONTAMINATION
Indications of fluid contamination are swollen or
deteriorated rubber parts.
Swollen rubber parts indicate the presence of
petroleum in the brake fluid.
To test for contamination, put a small amount of
drained brake fluid in clear glass jar. If fluid sepa-
rates into layers, there is mineral oil or other fluid
contamination of the brake fluid.
If brake fluid is contaminated, drain and thor-
oughly flush system. Replace master cylinder, propor-
tioning valve, caliper seals, wheel cylinder seals,
Antilock Brake hydraulic unit and all hydraulic fluid
hoses.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL CHECKING
Check master cylinder reservoir fluid level a mini-
mum of twice annually.
Fluid reservoirs are marked with the words FULL
and ADD to indicate proper brake fluid fill level of
the master cylinder.
If necessary, add brake fluid to bring the level to
the bottom of the FULL mark on the side of the mas-
ter cylinder fluid reservoir.
Use only Mopartbrake fluid or equivalent from a
sealed container. Brake fluid must conform to DOT 3
specifications (DOT 4 or DOT 4+ are acceptable).
DO NOTuse brake fluid with a lower boiling
point, as brake failure could result during prolonged
hard braking.
Fig. 44 Guide Pins And Boots
1 - PINS
2 - BOOTS
5 - 32 BRAKES - BASERS
DISC BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS (Continued)

(3) Install the disc brake caliper over the brake
shoes on the brake caliper adapter. (4) Align the caliper guide pin bolt holes with the
guide pins. Install the caliper guide pin bolts and
tighten them to a torque of 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.) (Fig.
42). (5) Install the tire and wheel assembly. Tighten
the wheel mounting nuts to a torque of 135 N´m (100
ft. lbs.). (6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Pump the brake pedal several times before
moving the vehicle to set the shoes to the brake
rotor.
DRUM
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE). (2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the
vehicle (3) Remove the rear brake shoe adjusting hole
cover plug. (4) Insert a thin screwdriver into brake adjusting
hole and hold adjusting lever away from notches of
adjusting screw star wheel. (5) Insert another thin screwdriver into brake
adjusting hole and engage notches of brake adjusting
screw star wheel. Release brake adjustment by pry-
ing upward with adjusting tool. (6) Remove rear brake drum from rear hub/bear-
ing assembly. NOTE: It may be necessary to insert M8 X 1.25 MM
bolts into the two removal holes on the drum to
force the drum off the hub.
INSTALLATION
(1) Adjust brake shoe assemblies so as not to inter-
fere with brake drum installation. (2) Install the rear brake drums on the hubs.
(3)
Adjust drum brake shoes as necessary per proce-
dure found in the Adjustment section of this service
manual group (Refer t o 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/
MECHANICAL/DRUM - ADJUSTMENTS).
(4) Install wheel and tire assembly.
(5) Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in
proper sequence until all nuts are torqued to half
specification. Then repeat the tightening sequence to
the full specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.). (6) Lower the vehicle.
FLUID
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE FLUID
CONTAMINATION
Indications of fluid contamination are swollen or
deteriorated rubber parts. Swollen rubber parts indicate the presence of
petroleum in the brake fluid. To test for contamination, put a small amount of
drained brake fluid in clear glass jar. If fluid sepa-
rates into layers, there is mineral oil or other fluid
contamination of the brake fluid. If brake fluid is contaminated, drain and thor-
oughly flush system. Replace master cylinder, propor-
tioning valve, caliper seals, wheel cylinder seals,
Antilock Brake hydraulic unit and all hydraulic fluid
hoses.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL CHECKING
Check master cylinder reservoir fluid level a mini-
mum of twice annually. Fluid reservoirs are marked with the words FULL
and ADD to indicate proper brake fluid fill level of
the master cylinder. If necessary, add brake fluid to bring the level to
the bottom of the FULL mark on the side of the mas-
ter cylinder fluid reservoir. Use only Mopar tbrake fluid or equivalent from a
sealed container. Brake fluid must conform to DOT 3
specifications (DOT 4 or DOT 4+ are acceptable). DO NOT use brake fluid with a lower boiling
point, as brake failure could result during prolonged
hard braking.
Fig. 43 Guide Pins And Boots
1 - PINS
2 - BOOTS
RS BRAKES5s-31
DISC BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS (Continued)

for checking coolant level and adjusting level at
atmospheric pressure without removing the radiator
pressure cap. It also provides some reserve coolant to
cover deaeration, evaporation, or boiling losses.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLANT
RECOVERY SYSTEM
The cooling system is closed and designed to main-
tain coolant level to the top of the radiator.
(1) With the engineoffand cooling systemnot
under pressure, drain several ounces of coolant from
the radiator draincock while observing the coolant
recovery container. Coolant level in the container
should drop.
(2) Remove the radiator pressure cap. The coolant
level should be full to the top radiator neck. If not,
and the coolant level in the container is at or above
the MIN mark, there is an air leak in the coolant
recovery system.
(3) Check hose and hose connections to the con-
tainer, radiator filler neck or the pressure cap seal to
the radiator filler neck for leaks.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle on hoist.
(2) Remove the lower attaching screws (Fig. 2).
(3) Lower the vehicle.
(4) Remove the upper attaching screw (Fig. 2).
(5) Disconnect recovery hose from container (Fig.
2).
(6) Remove the recovery container.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the recovery hose to container (Fig. 2).
(2) Position the recovery container on the frame
rail (Fig. 2).
(3) Install the upper attaching screw and tighten
to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.) (Fig. 2).
(4) Raise the vehicle on hoist.
(5) Install the lower attaching screws and tighten
to 8.5 N´m (75 in. lbs.) (Fig. 2).
(6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Add coolant to container as necessary. (Refer to
7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
DESCRIPTION
The engine block heater is available as an optional
accessory on all models. The heater is operated by
ordinary house current (110 Volt A.C.) through a
power cord located behind the radiator grille. This
provides easier engine starting and faster warm-up
when vehicle is operated in areas having extremely
low temperatures. The heater is mounted in a core
hole (in place of a core hole plug) in the engine block,
with the heating element immersed in coolant.
OPERATION
The block heater element is submerged in the cool-
ing system's coolant. When electrical power (110 volt
A.C.) is applied to the element, it creates heat. This
heat is transferred to the engine coolant. This pro-
vides easier engine starting and faster warm-up
when vehicle is operated in areas having extremely
low temperatures.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE BLOCK
HEATER TESTING
If unit does not operate, trouble can be in either
the power cord or the heater element. Test power
cord for continuity with a 110-volt voltmeter or 110-
volt test light; test heater element continuity with an
ohmmeter or 12-volt test light.
REMOVAL
(1) Drain coolant from radiator and cylinder block.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Disconnect the power cord plug from heater.
(3) Loosen screw in center of heater. Remove the
heater assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean block core hole and heater seat.
(2) Insert heater assembly with element loop posi-
tionedupward.
Fig. 2 Coolant Recovery Container
1 - UPPER BOLT ATTACHING TO BATTERY TRAY
2 - COOLANT RECOVERY CONTAINER
3 - UPPER BOLT
4 - HOSE
5 - LOWER BOLT (QTY. 2)
6 - LEFT SIDE FRAME RAIL
7 - 20 ENGINERS
COOLANT RECOVERY CONTAINER (Continued)

REMOVAL - CYLINDER HEAD OFF........32
INSPECTION..........................32
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - CYLINDER HEAD ON.....33
INSTALLATION - CYLINDER HEAD OFF....33
HYDRAULIC LASH ADJUSTERS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC
LASH ADJUSTER NOISE DIAGNOSIS......34
REMOVAL.............................34
INSTALLATION.........................34
ROCKER ARMS
REMOVAL.............................34
INSPECTION..........................35
INSTALLATION.........................35
ENGINE BLOCK
DESCRIPTION.........................35
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CYLINDER BORE
HONING............................35
CLEANING............................36
INSPECTION..........................36
CRANKSHAFT
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CRANKSHAFT
ENDPLAY ...........................36
REMOVAL - CRANKSHAFT................37
INSPECTION..........................37
INSTALLATION - CRANKSHAFT............38
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - FRONT
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................40
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................42
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION.........................42
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PISTON TO
CYLINDER BORE FITTING..............42
REMOVAL.............................43
INSTALLATION.........................44
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE
CONNECTING ROD - FITTING...........45
PISTON RINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE
PISTON RING - FITTING................45
REMOVAL.............................46
INSTALLATION.........................46
VIBRATION DAMPER
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................47
STRUCTURAL COLLAR
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................48
ENGINE MOUNTING
DESCRIPTION.........................48
FRONT MOUNT
REMOVAL.............................49
INSTALLATION.........................49LEFT MOUNT
REMOVAL.............................49
INSTALLATION.........................50
REAR MOUNT
REMOVAL.............................50
INSTALLATION.........................50
RIGHT MOUNT
REMOVAL.............................51
INSTALLATION.........................51
LUBRICATION
DESCRIPTION.........................52
OPERATION...........................52
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHECKING
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE................52
OIL
STANDARD PROCEDURE
ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK.............53
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL
AND FILTER CHANGE..................53
OIL FILTER
DESCRIPTION.........................53
REMOVAL.............................53
INSTALLATION.........................53
OIL PAN
REMOVAL.............................54
INSTALLATION.........................54
OIL PRESSURE SWITCH
REMOVAL.............................54
INSTALLATION.........................54
OIL PUMP
REMOVAL.............................55
DISASSEMBLY.........................55
CLEANING............................56
INSPECTION..........................56
ASSEMBLY............................56
INSTALLATION.........................57
INTAKE MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION.........................58
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INTAKE
MANIFOLD LEAKS.....................58
INTAKE MANIFOLD - UPPER
REMOVAL.............................58
INSPECTION..........................59
INSTALLATION.........................59
INTAKE MANIFOLD - LOWER
REMOVAL.............................60
INSPECTION..........................60
INSTALLATION.........................60
EXHAUST MANIFOLD
REMOVAL.............................61
CLEANING............................61
INSPECTION..........................61
INSTALLATION.........................61
TIMING BELT COVER(S)
REMOVAL.............................61
INSTALLATION.........................62
9 - 2 ENGINE 2.4LRS

NOTE: Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gaskets require
a scratch free sealing surface.
Only use the following for cleaning gasket surfaces:
²Solvent or a commercially available gasket
remover
²Plastic or wood scraper (Fig. 3)
²Drill motor with 3M RolocŸ Bristle Disc (white
or yellow) (Fig. 3)
CAUTION: Excessive pressure or high RPM (beyond
the recommended speed), can damage the sealing
surfaces. The mild (white, 120 grit) bristle disc is
recommended. If necessary, the medium (yellow, 80
grit) bristle disc may be used on cast iron surfaces
with care.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
BEARING CLEARANCE USING PLASTIGAGE
Engine crankshaft bearing clearances can be deter-
mined by use of Plastigage or equivalent. The follow-
ing is the recommended procedure for the use of
Plastigage:
(1) Remove oil film from surface to be checked.
Plastigage is soluble in oil.(2) 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. 4). (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.
(3) Remove the bearing cap and compare the
width of the flattened Plastigage with the metric
scale provided on the package. Locate the band clos-
est to the same width. This band shows the amount
of clearance in thousandths of a millimeter. Differ-
ences in readings between the ends indicate the
amount of taper present. Record all readings taken.
Compare clearance measurements to specs found in
engine specifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECI-
FICATIONS).Plastigage generally is accompa-
nied 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.
(4) Install the proper crankshaft bearings to
achieve the specified bearing clearances.
Fig. 3 Proper Tool Usage For Surface Preparation
1 - ABRASIVE PAD
2 - 3M ROLOCŸ BRISTLE DISC
3 - PLASTIC/WOOD SCRAPER
Fig. 4 Plastigage Placed in Lower ShellÐTypical
1 - PLASTIGAGE
9 - 12 ENGINE 2.4LRS
ENGINE 2.4L (Continued)

(15) Remove cylinder head cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(16) Remove camshafts (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD/CAMSHAFT(S) - REMOVAL).
NOTE: Identify rocker arm position to ensure cor-
rect re-installation in original position, if reused.
(17) Remove rocker arms. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER ARMS - REMOVAL)
(18) Remove cylinder head bolts in REVERSE
sequence of tightening (Fig. 19).
(19) Remove cylinder head from engine block.
(20) Inspect and clean cylinder head. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSPECTION) (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - CLEANING)
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-
DURE). Be careful not to gouge or scratch the alumi-
num head sealing surface.
Clean all engine oil passages.
INSPECTION
(1) Cylinder head must be flat within 0.1 mm
(0.004 in.) (Fig. 14).
(2) Inspect camshaft bearing journals for scoring.(3) Remove carbon and varnish deposits from
inside of valve guides with a reliable guide cleaner.
(4) Using a small hole gauge and a micrometer,
measure valve guides in 3 places top, middle and bot-
tom (Fig. 15). (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICA-
TIONS) Replace guides if they are not within
specification.
(5) Check valve guide height (Fig. 16).
INSTALLATION - CYLINDER HEAD
NOTE: The Cylinder head bolts should be examined
BEFORE reuse. If the threads are necked down, the
bolts must be replaced (Fig. 17).
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.
(1) Before installing the bolts, the threads should
be coated with engine oil.
Fig. 14 Checking Cylinder Head Flatness
1 - FEELER GAUGE
2 - STRAIGHT EDGE
Fig. 15 Checking Wear on Valve GuideÐTypical
1-TOP
2 - MIDDLE
3 - BOTTOM
4 - CUT AWAY VIEW OF VALVE GUIDE MEASUREMENT
LOCATIONS
Fig. 16 Valve Guide Height
1 - VALVE GUIDE
2 - 13.25 - 13.75 MM (0.521 - 0.541 IN.)
3 - SPRING SEAT
9 - 26 ENGINE 2.4LRS
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)