JEEP CHEROKEE 1988 Service Repair Manual

Fig. 18: Measuring Connecting Rod Side Clearance - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
Check for improper bearing installation, wrong bearing cap
or insufficient bearing clearance if side clearance is insufficient.
Connecting rod may require machining to obtain proper clearance.
Excessive clearance usually indicates excessive wear at crankshaft.
Crankshaft must be repaired or replaced.
MAIN & CONNECTING ROD BEARING CLEARANCE
Plastigage Method
Plastigage method may be used to determine bearing clearance.
Plastigage can be used with an engine in service or during reassembly.
Plastigage material is oil soluble.
Ensure journals and bearings are free of oil or solvent.
Oil or solvent will dissolve material and false reading will be
obtained. Install small piece of Plastigage along full length of
bearing journal. Install bearing cap in original location. Tighten
bolts to specification.
CAUTION: DO NOT rotate crankshaft while Plastigage is installed.
Bearing clearance will not be obtained if crankshaft is
rotated.
Remove bearing cap. Compare Plastigage width with scale on
Plastigage container to determine bearing clearance. See Fig. 19.
Rotate crankshaft 90 degrees. Repeat procedure. this is done to check
journal eccentricity. This procedure can be used to check oil
clearance on both connecting rod and main bearings.

Fig. 19: Measuring Bearing Clearance - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
Micrometer & Telescopic Gauge Method
A micrometer is used to determine journal diameter, taper and
out-of-round dimensions of the crankshaft. See CLEANING & INSPECTION
under CRANKSHAFT & MAIN BEARINGS in this article.
With crankshaft removed, install bearings and caps in
original location on cylinder block. Tighten bolts to specification.
On connecting rods, install bearings and caps on connecting rods.
Install proper connecting rod cap on corresponding rod. Ensure bearing
cap is installed in original location. Tighten bolts to specification.
Using a telescopic gauge and micrometer or inside micrometer
measure inside diameter of connecting rod and main bearings bores.
Subtract each crankshaft journal diameter from the corresponding
inside bore diameter. This is the bearing clearance.

CRANKSHAFT & MAIN BEARINGS
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
NOTE: Always refer to appropriate engine overhaul article in the
ENGINES section for complete overhaul procedures and
specifications for the vehicle being repaired.
REMOVAL
Ensure all main bearing caps are marked for location on
cylinder block. Some main bearing caps have an arrow stamped on it
which must face front of engine. Remove main bearing cap bolts. Remove
main bearing caps. Carefully remove crankshaft. Use care not to bind
crankshaft in cylinder block during removal.
CLEANING & INSPECTION
Thoroughly clean crankshaft using solvent. Dry with
compressed air. Ensure all oil passages are clear and free of sludge,
rust, dirt, and metal chips.
Inspect crankshaft for scoring and nicks. Inspect crankshaft
for cracks using Magnaflux procedure. Inspect rear seal area for
grooving or damage. Inspect bolt hole threads for damage. If pilot
bearing or bushing is used, check pilot bearing or bushing fit in
crankshaft. Inspect crankshaft gear for damaged or cracked teeth.
Replace gear if damaged. Check that oil passage plugs are tight (if
equipped).
Using micrometer, measure all journals in 4 areas to
determine journal taper, out-of-round and undersize. See Fig. 20.
Some crankshafts can be reground to the next largest undersize,
depending on the amount of wear or damage. Crankshafts with rolled
fillet cannot be reground and must be replaced.
Fig. 20: Measuring Crankshaft Journal - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
Crankshaft journal runout should be checked. Install
crankshaft in "V" blocks or bench center. Position dial indicator

with tip resting on the main bearing journal area. See Fig. 21.
Rotate crankshaft and note reading. Journal runout must not exceed
specification. Repeat procedure on all main bearing journals.
Crankshaft must be replaced if runout exceeds specification.
Fig. 21: Measuring Crankshaft Main Bearing Journal Runout - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
INSTALLATION
Install upper main bearing in cylinder block. Ensure lock
tab is properly located in cylinder block. Install bearings in main
bearing caps. Ensure all oil passages are aligned. Install rear seal
(if removed).
Ensure crankshaft journals are clean. Lubricate upper main
bearings with clean engine oil. Carefully install crankshaft. Check
each main bearing clearance using Plastigage method. See
MAIN & CONNECTING ROD BEARING CLEARANCE in this article.
Once clearance is checked, lubricate lower main bearing and
journals. Install main bearing caps in original location. Install rear
seal in rear main bearing cap (if removed). Some rear main bearing
caps require sealant to be applied in corners to prevent oil leakage.
Install and tighten all bolts except thrust bearing cap to
specification. Tighten thrust bearing cap bolts finger tight only.
Thrust bearing must be aligned. On most applications, crankshaft
must be moved rearward then forward. Procedure may vary with
manufacturer. Thrust bearing cap is then tighten to specification.
Ensure crankshaft rotates freely. Crankshaft end play should be
checked. See CRANKSHAFT END PLAY in this article.
CRANKSHAFT END PLAY
Dial Indicator Method
Crankshaft end play can be checked using dial indicator.
Mount dial indicator on rear of cylinder block. Position dial
indicator tip against rear of crankshaft. Ensure tip is resting
against flat surface.
Pry crankshaft rearward. Adjust dial indicator to zero.

Pry crankshaft forward and note reading. Crankshaft end play must be
within specification. If end play is not within specification, check
for faulty thrust bearing installation or worn crankshaft. Some
applications offer oversized thrust bearings.
Feeler Gauge Method
Crankshaft end play can be checked using feeler gauge. Pry
crankshaft rearward. Pry crankshaft forward. Using feeler gauge,
measure clearance between crankshaft and thrust bearing surface. See
Fig. 22 .
Fig. 22: Checking Crankshaft End Play - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
Crankshaft end play must be within specification. If end
play is not within specification, check for faulty thrust bearing
installation or worn crankshaft. Some applications offer oversized
thrust bearings.

CYLINDER BLOCK
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
NOTE: Always refer to appropriate engine overhaul article in the
ENGINES section for complete overhaul procedures and
specifications for the vehicle being repaired.
BLOCK CLEANING
Only cast cylinder blocks should be hot tank cleaned.
Aluminum cylinder blocks should be cleaned using cold tank method.
Cylinder block is cleaned in order to remove carbon deposits, gasket
residue and water jacket scale. Remove oil galley plugs, freeze plugs
and cam bearings prior to block cleaning.
BLOCK INSPECTION
Visually inspect the block. Check suspected areas for cracks
using the Dye Penetrant inspection method. Block may be checked for
cracks using the Magnaflux method.
Cracks are most commonly found at the bottom of the
cylinders, the main bearing saddles, near expansion plugs and between
the cylinders and water jackets. Inspect lifter bores for damage.
Inspect all head bolt holes for damaged threads. Threads should be
cleaned using tap to ensure proper head bolt torque. Consult machine
shop concerning possible welding and machining (if required).
CYLINDER BORE INSPECTION
Inspect the bore for scuffing or roughness. Cylinder bore
is dimensionally checked for out-of-round and taper using dial bore
gauge. For determining out-of-round, measure cylinder parallel and
perpendicular to the block centerline. Difference in the 2 readings
is the bore out-of-round. Cylinder bore must be checked at top, middle
and bottom of piston travel area.
Bore taper is obtained by measuring bore at the top and
bottom. If wear has exceeded allowable limits, block must be honed
or bored to next available oversize piston dimension.
CYLINDER HONING
Cylinder must be properly honed to allow new piston rings to
properly seat. Cross-hatching at correct angle and depth is critical
to lubrication of cylinder walls and pistons.
A flexible drive hone and power drill are commonly used.
Drive hone must be lubricated during operation. Mix equal parts of
kerosene and SAE 20w engine oil for lubrication.
Apply lubrication to cylinder wall. Operate cylinder hone
from top to bottom of cylinder using even strokes to produce 45 degree
cross-hatch pattern on the cylinder wall. DO NOT allow cylinder hone
to extend below cylinder during operation.
Recheck bore dimension after final honing. Wash cylinder
wall with hot soapy water to remove abrasive particles. Blow dry with
compressed air. Coat cleaned cylinder walls with lubricating oil.
DECK WARPAGE
Check deck for damage or warped head sealing surface. Place
a straightedge across gasket surface of the deck. Using feeler gauge,
measure clearance at center of straightedge. Measure across width and

length of cylinder block at several points.
If warpage exceeds specifications, deck must be resurfaced.
If warpage exceeds manufacturer's maximum tolerance for material
removal, replace block.
DECK HEIGHT
Distance from the crankshaft centerline to the block
deck is termed the deck height. Measure and record front and rear main
journals of crankshaft. To compute this distance, install crankshaft
and retain with center main bearing and cap only. Measure distance
from the crankshaft journal to the block deck, parallel to the
cylinder centerline.
Add one half of the main bearing journal diameter to distance
from crankshaft journal to block deck. This dimension should be
checked at front and rear of cylinder block. Both readings should be
the same.
If difference exceeds specifications, cylinder block must be
repaired or replaced. Deck height and warpage should be corrected at
the same time.
MAIN BEARING BORE & ALIGNMENT
For checking main bearing bore, remove all bearings from
cylinder block and main bearing caps. Install main bearing caps in
original location. Tighten bolts to specification. Using inside
micrometer, measure main bearing bore in 2 areas 90 degrees apart.
Determine bore size and out-of-round. If diameter is not within
specification, block must be align-bored.
For checking alignment, place a straightedge along centerline
of main bearing saddles. Check for clearance between straightedge and
main bearing saddles. Block must be align-bored if clearance is
present.
EXPANSION PLUG REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
Removal
Drill a hole in the center of expansion plug. Remove with
screwdriver or punch. Use care not to damage sealing surface.
Installation
Ensure sealing surface is free of burrs. Coat expansion plug
with sealer. Use a wooden dowel or pipe of slightly smaller diameter,
install expansion plug. Ensure expansion plug is evenly located.
OIL GALLERY PLUG REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
Removal
Remove threaded oil gallery plugs using the appropriate
wrench. Soft, press-in plugs are removed by drilling into plug and
installing a sheet metal screw. Remove plug with slide hammer or
pliers.
Installation
Ensure threads or sealing surface is clean. Coat threaded oil
gallery plugs with sealer and install. Replacement soft press-in plugs
are driven in place with a hammer and drift.
CAMSHAFT
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *

NOTE: Always refer to appropriate engine overhaul article in the
ENGINES section for complete overhaul procedures and
specifications for the vehicle being repaired.
CLEANING & INSPECTION
Clean camshaft with solvent. Ensure all oil passages are
clear. Inspect cam lobes and bearing journals for pitting, flaking or
scoring. Using micrometer, measure bearing journal O.D.
Support camshaft at each end with "V" blocks. Position dial
indicator with tip resting on center bearing journal. Rotate camshaft
and note reading. If reading exceeds specification, replace camshaft.
Check cam lobe lift by measuring base circle of camshaft
using micrometer. Measure again at 90 degrees to tip of cam lobe. Cam
lift can be determined by subtracting base circle diameter from tip of
cam lobe measurement.
Different lift dimensions are given for intake and exhaust
cam lobes. Reading must be within specifications. Replace camshaft if
cam lobes or bearing journals are not within specifications.
Inspect camshaft gear for chipped, eroded or damaged teeth.
Replace gear if damaged. On camshafts using thrust plate, measure
distance between thrust plate and camshaft shoulder. Replace thrust
plate if not within specification.
CAMSHAFT BEARINGS
Removal & Installation
Remove the camshaft rear plug. The camshaft bearing remover
is assembled with its shoulder resting on the bearing to be removed
according to manufacturer's instructions. Tighten puller nut until
bearing is removed. Remove remaining bearings, leaving front and rear
bearings until last. These bearings act as guide for camshaft bearing
remover.
To install new bearings, puller is rearranged to pull
bearings toward the center of block. Ensure all lubrication passages
of bearing are aligned with cylinder block. Coat new camshaft rear
plug with sealant. Install camshaft rear plug. Ensure plug is even
in cylinder block.
CAMSHAFT INSTALLATION
Lubricate bearing surfaces and cam lobes with ample amount of
Molykote or camshaft lubricant. Carefully install camshaft. Use care
not to damage bearing journals during installation. Install thrust
plate retaining bolts (if equipped). Tighten bolts to specification.
On overhead camshafts, install bearing caps in original location.
Tighten bolts to specification. Check end play.
CAMSHAFT END PLAY
Using dial indicator, check end play. Position dial indicator
on front of engine block. Position indicator tip against camshaft.
Push camshaft toward rear of engine and adjust indicator to zero.
Move camshaft forward and note reading. Camshaft end play
must be within specification. End play may be adjusted by relocating
gear, shimming thrust plate or replacing thrust plate depending on
manufacturer.
TIMING CHAINS & BELTS

* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
NOTE: Always refer to appropriate engine overhaul article in the
ENGINES section for complete overhaul procedures and
specifications for the vehicle being repaired.
TIMING CHAINS
Timing chains will stretch during operation. Limits are
placed upon amount of stretch before replacement is required. Timing
chain stretch will alter ignition timing and valve timing.
To check timing chain stretch, rotate crankshaft to eliminate
slack from one side of timing chain. Mark reference point on cylinder
block. Rotate crankshaft in opposite direction to eliminate slack from
remaining side of timing chain. Force other side of chain outward
and measure distance between reference point and timing chain. See
Fig. 23 . Replace timing chain and gears if not within specification.
Fig. 23: Measuring Timing Chain Stretch - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
Timing chains must be installed so that timing marks on
camshaft gear and crankshaft gear are aligned according to

manufacturer. See Fig. 24.
Fig. 24: Timing Gear Mark Alignment - Typical
This Graphic For General Information Only
TIMING BELTS
Cogged tooth belts are commonly used on overhead cam
engines. Inspect belt teeth for rounded corners or cracking. Replace
belt if cracked, damaged, missing teeth or oil soaked.
Used timing belt must be installed in original direction of
rotation. Inspect all sprocket teeth for wear. Replace all worn
sprockets. Sprockets are marked for timing purposes. Engine is
positioned so that crankshaft sprocket mark will be upward. Camshaft
sprocket is aligned with reference mark on cylinder head and timing
belt is installed. See Fig. 25.