abs JEEP LIBERTY 2002 KJ / 1.G Owners Manual

CONNECTOR NAME/NUMBER COLOR LOCATION FIG.
Blend Door Actuator BK Behind Right Side of
Instrument PanelN/S
Blower Motor BK Behind Right Side of
Instrument PanelN/S
Blower Motor Resistor Block BK Behind Right Side of
Instrument PanelN/S
Body Control Module C1 GY Under Left Side of
Instrument PanelN/S
Body Control Module C2 GY Under Left Side of
Instrument PanelN/S
Body Control Module C3 (Premium) Under Left Side of
Instrument PanelN/S
Boost Pressure Sensor (Diesel) Left Side of Engine 22
Brake Lamp Switch BK At Brake Pedal N/S
Brake Pressure Switch (ABS) BK On Master Cylinder N/S
C100 GY Left Kick Panel 32, 33, 37
C101 (2.4L) BK Left Side of Engine
Compartment11 , 1 2
C102 (RHD) Left Kick Panel 32
C103 (Gas) BK Right Rear Side of Engine
Compartment8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16
C104 BK Right Rear Side of Engine
Compartment8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17,
18
C105 GY Right Rear Side of Engine
Compartment8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17,
18
C106 BK Left Front Side of Engine
Compartment29
C107 BK Left Front Side of Engine
CompartmentN/S
C108 (Gas) GY Left Front Side of Engine 30
C110 (2.4L) BK Left Side of Engine 11, 12
C111 (Diesel) LG Right Rear Side of Engine
Compartment17, 18
C112 (Gas) BK Right Side of Engine
Compartment8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 31
C113 (Diesel) LG Left Rear Side of Engine
CompartmentN/S
C114 (Diesel) LG Top of Engine N/S
C201 BK Behind Center of Instrument
PanelN/S
C202 YL Behind Center of Instrument
PanelN/S
C300 (LHD) OR Left A-Pillar 35, 41
C300 (RHD) OR Right A-Pillar 39, 41
C301 (LHD) OR Left A-Pillar 35, 41
C301 (RHD) OR Right A-Pillar 39, 41
8Wa - 91 - 2 8W-91 CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATIONKJ
CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION (Continued)

CONNECTOR NAME/NUMBER COLOR LOCATION FIG.
Left Front Door Ajar Switch (Base) BK In Left Front Door N/S
Left Front Door Lock Motor/Ajar
Switch (Except Base)BK In Left Front Door 41
Left Front Door Speaker BK Behind Left Front Door Panel 41
Left Front Impact Sensor BK Front Side of Engine
Compartment28
Left Front Park/Turn Signal Lamp BK Behind Left Turn Signal
LampN/S
Left Front Power Window Motor LG In Left Front Door 41
Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor BK Left Side of Engine
Compartment30
Left Headlamp (BUX) Behind Left Headlamp N/S
Left Headlamp (Except BUX) DB Behind Left Headlamp N/S
Left Heated Seat Assembly LG At Left Seat N/S
Left Heated Seat Switch BK At Left Seat N/S
Left Instrument Panel Lamp BK Left Side of Instrument Panel N/S
Left Instrument Panel Speaker BK Left Side of Instrument Panel 33, 37
Left Leveling Motor (BUX) BK At Left Headlamp N/S
Left Position Lamp (BUX) BK Left Front Side of Vehicle N/S
Left Power Mirror WT In Left Front Door 41
Left Power Seat Motors BK At Left Seat N/S
Left Power Seat Switch GN At Left Seat N/S
Left Rear Door Ajar Switch (Base) BK In Left Rear Door N/S
Left Rear Door Lock Motor/Ajar
Switch (Except Base)BK In Left Rear Door N/S
Left Rear Door Speaker In Left Rear Door
Left Rear Power Window Motor LG In Left Rear Door N/S
Left Remote Radio Switch BK On Steering Wheel N/S
Left Side Impact Airbag Control
Module (LSIACM)YL Left Lower B-Pillar 35, 38
Left Side Marker Lamp BK Left Front Fender N/S
Left Side Repeater Lamp (BUX) BK Left Front Fender N/S
Left Speed Control Switch BK On Steering Wheel N/S
Left Tail/Stop Lamp BK Left Rear Quarter Panel 45
Left Visor/Vanity Lamp WT Left Front of Headliner N/S
License Lamp (BUX) LG In Tailgate 46
License Lamp (Except BUX) LG On Bumper N/S
Line Pressure Sensor (3.7L) BK Right Side of Transmission 6
Low Note Horn BK Left Front Side of Engine
Compartment29
Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor BK Front Side of Engine 2
Mass Air Flow Sensor (Diesel) Top of Engine 21
Multi-Function Switch C1 GY At Steering Column N/S
Multi-Function Switch C2 GY At Steering Column N/S
8Wa - 91 - 6 8W-91 CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATIONKJ
CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION (Continued)

²Tapping the hole with a special Heli-Coil Tap, or
equivalent.
²Installing an insert into the tapped hole to bring
the hole back to its original thread size.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE CORE AND
OIL GALLERY PLUGS
Using a blunt tool such as a drift and a hammer,
strike the bottom edge of the cup plug. With the cup
plug rotated, grasp firmly with pliers or other suit-
able tool and remove plug (Fig. 2).
CAUTION: Do not drive cup plug into the casting as
restricted cooling can result and cause serious
engine problems.
Thoroughly clean inside of cup plug hole in cylin-
der block or head. Be sure to remove old sealer.
Lightly coat inside of cup plug hole with Mopart
Stud and Bearing Mount. Make certain the new plug
is cleaned of all oil or grease. Using proper drive
plug, drive plug into hole so that the sharp edge of
the plug is at least 0.5 mm (0.020 in.) inside the
lead-in chamfer.
It is not necessary to wait for curing of the sealant.
The cooling system can be refilled and the vehicle
placed in service immediately.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(2) Remove hood. Mark hood hinge location for
reinstallation.
(3) Remove air cleaner assembly.(4) Remove radiator core support bracket.
(5) Remove fan shroud with electric fan assembly.
(6) Remove mechanical cooling fan.
(7) Remove drive belt.
NOTE: It is NOT necessary to discharge the A/C
system to remove the engine.
(8) Remove A/C compressor and secure away from
engine with lines attached.
(9) Remove generator and secure away from
engine.
NOTE: Do NOT remove the phenolic pulley from the
P/S pump. It is not required for P/S pump removal.
(10) Remove power steering pump with lines
attached and secure away from engine.
(11) Drain cooling system.
(12) Remove coolant bottle.
(13) Disconnect the heater hoses from the engine.
(14) Disconnect heater hoses from heater core and
remove hose assembly.
(15) Disconnect throttle and speed control cables.
(16) Remove upper radiator hose from engine.
(17) Remove lower radiator hose from engine.
(18) Disconnect the engine to body ground straps
at the left side of cowl.
(19) Disconnect the engine wiring harness at the
following points:
²Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor
²Fuel Injectors
²Throttle Position (TPS) Switch
²Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor
²Engine Oil Pressure Switch
²Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
²Manifold Absolute Pressure MAP) Sensor
²Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor
²Coil Over Plugs
²Crankshaft Position Sensor
(20) Remove coil over plugs.
(21) Release fuel rail pressure.
(22) Remove fuel rail and secure away from
engine.
NOTE: It is not necessary to release the quick con-
nect fitting from the fuel supply line for engine
removal.
(23) Remove the PCV hose.
(24) Remove the breather hoses.
(25) Remove the vacuum hose for the power brake
booster.
(26) Disconnect knock sensors.
(27) Remove engine oil dipstick tube.
(28) Remove intake manifold.
(29) Install engine lift plate.
Fig. 2 Core Hole Plug Removal
1 - CYLINDER BLOCK
2 - REMOVE PLUG WITH PLIERS
3 - STRIKE HERE WITH HAMMER
4 - DRIFT PUNCH
5 - CUP PLUG
9 - 10 ENGINE - 3.7LKJ
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)

NOTE: Recheck bolt torque for engine lift plate
before removing engine.
(30) Secure the left and right engine wiring har-
nesses away from engine.
(31) Raise vehicle.
(32) Disconnect oxygen sensor wiring.
(33) Disconnect crankshaft postion sensor.
(34) Disconnect the engine block heater power
cable, if equipped.
(35) Disconnect the front propshaft at the front
differential and secure out of way.
NOTE: It is necessary to disconnect the front prop-
shaft for access to the starter and left side exhaust
flange.
(36) Remove the starter.
(37) Remove the ground straps from the left and
right side of the block.
(38) Disconnect the right and left exhaust pipes at
the manifolds and from the crossover, and remove
from the vehicle.
NOTE: The exhaust clamps at the manifolds cannot
be reused. New clamps must be used or leaks may
occur.
NOTE: For manual transmission vehicles, the trans-
mission must be removed from the vehicle, before
the engine can be removed. The manual transmis-
sion will contact the floorpan before the engine
clears the motor mounts, so it must be removed.
(39) Remove the structural cover.
(40) Remove torque convertor bolts, and mark
location for reassembly.
(41) Remove transmission bellhousing to engine
bolts.
(42) Loosen left and right engine mount thru bolts.
NOTE: It is not necessary to completely remove
engine mount thru bolts, for engine removal.
(43) Lower the vehicle.
(44) Support the transmission with a suitable jack.
(45) Connect a suitable engine hoist to the engine
lift plate.
(46) Remove engine from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the engine in the vehicle.
(2) Install both left and right side engine mounts
onto engine.
(3) Raise the vehicle.(4) Install the transmission bellhousing to engine
mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts to 41 N´m (30ft.
lbs.).
(5) Tighten the engine mount thru bolts.
(6) Install the torque convertor bolts.
(7) Connect the ground straps on the left and right
side of the engine.
(8) Install the starter.
(9) Connect the crankshaft position sensor.
(10) Install the engine block heater power cable, if
equipped.
CAUTION: The structural cover requires a specific
torque sequence. Failure to follow this sequence
may cause severe damage to the cover.
(11) Install the structural cover.
NOTE: New clamps must be used on exhaust man-
ifold flanges. Failure to use new clamps may result
in exhaust leaks.
(12) Install the left and right exhaust pipes.
(13) Connect the left and right oxygen sensors.
(14) Lower vehicle.
(15) Remove the engine lift plate.
(16) Connect the knock sensors.
(17) Connect the engine to body ground straps at
the left side of the cowl.
(18) Install the intake manifold.
(19) Install the engine oil dipstick tube.
(20) Install the power brake booster vacuum hose.
(21) Install the breather hoses.
(22) Install the PCV hose.
(23) Install the fuel rail.
(24) Install the coil over plugs.
(25) Connect the engine wiring harness at the fol-
lowing points:
²Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor
²Fuel Injectors
²Throttle Position (TPS) Switch
²Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor
²Engine Oil Pressure Switch
²Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
²Manifold Absolute Pressure MAP) Sensor
²Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor
²Coil Over Plugs
²Crankshaft Position Sensor
(26) Connect lower radiator hose.
(27) Connect upper radiator hose.
(28) Connect throttle and speed control cables.
(29) Install the heater hose assembly.
(30) Install coolant recovery bottle.
(31) Install the power steering pump.
(32) Install the generator.
(33) Install the A/C compressor.
(34) Install the drive belt.
KJENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 11
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)

AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
REMOVAL - 3.7L
Housing removal is not necessary for element (fil-
ter) replacement.
(1) Pry up 2 spring clips (Fig. 3) from front of
housing cover (spring clips retain cover to housing).
(2) Release housing cover from 4 locating tabs
located on rear of housing, and remove cover.
(3) Remove air cleaner element (filter) from hous-
ing.
(4) Clean inside of housing before replacing ele-
ment.
INSTALLATION - 3.7L
(1) Install element into housing.
(2) Position housing cover into housing locating
tabs.
(3) Pry up spring clips and lock cover to housing.
If any air filter, air resonator, air intake tubes or
air filter housing clamps had been loosened or
removed, tighten them to 5 N´m (40 in. lbs.) torque.
CYLINDER HEAD - LEFT
DESCRIPTION - VALVE GUIDES
The valve guides are made of powered metal and
are pressed into the cylinder head. The guides are
not replaceable or serviceable, and valve guide ream-
ing is not recommended. If the guides are worn
beyond acceptable limits, replace the cylinder heads.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC LASH
ADJUSTER
A tappet-like noise may be produced from several
items. Check the following items.
(1) Engine oil level too high or too low. This may
cause aerated oil to enter the adjusters and cause
them to be spongy.
(2) Insufficient running time after rebuilding cylin-
der head. Low speed running up to 1 hour may be
required.
(3) Turn engine off and let set for a few minutes
before restarting. Repeat this several times after
engine has reached normal operating temperature.
(4) Low oil pressure.
(5) The oil restrictor in cylinder head gasket or the
oil passage to the cylinder head is plugged with
debris.
(6) Air ingested into oil due to broken or cracked
oil pump pick up.
(7) Worn valve guides.
(8) Rocker arm ears contacting valve spring
retainer.
(9) Rocker arm loose, adjuster stuck or at maxi-
mum extension and still leaves lash in the system.
(10) Oil leak or excessive cam bore wear in cylin-
der head.
(11) Faulty lash adjuster.
²Check lash adjusters for sponginess while
installed in cylinder head and cam on camshaft at
base circle. Depress part of rocker arm over adjuster.
Normal adjusters should feel very firm. Spongy
adjusters can be bottomed out easily.
²Remove suspected lash adjusters, and replace.
²Before installation, make sure adjusters are at
least partially full of oil. This can be verified by little
or no plunger travel when lash adjuster is depressed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER HEAD
GASKET
A cylinder head gasket leak can be located between
adjacent cylinders or between a cylinder and the
adjacent water jacket.
Fig. 3 AIR CLEANER ELEMENT - 3.7L
1 - AIR INTAKE HOSE
2 - HOSE CLAMP
3 - COVER
4 - CLIPS (2)
KJENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 19

Once the block has been completely cleaned, apply
Loctite PST pipe sealant with Teflon 592 to the
threads of the front and rear oil galley plugs. Tighten
the plugs to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
INSPECTION
(1) It is mandatory to use a dial bore gauge to
measure each cylinder bore diameter. To correctly
select the proper size piston, a cylinder bore gauge,
capable of reading in 0.003 mm (.0001 in.) INCRE-
MENTS is required. If a bore gauge is not available,
do not use an inside micrometer (Fig. 33).
(2) Measure the inside diameter of the cylinder
bore at three levels below top of bore. Start perpen-
dicular (across or at 90 degrees) to the axis of the
crankshaft and then take two additional reading.
(3) Measure the cylinder bore diameter crosswise
to the cylinder block near the top of the bore. Repeat
the measurement near the middle of the bore, then
repeat the measurement near the bottom of the bore.
(4) Determine taper by subtracting the smaller
diameter from the larger diameter.
(5) Rotate measuring device 90É and repeat steps
above.(6) Determine out-of-roundness by comparing the
difference between each measurement.
(7) If cylinder bore taper does not exceed 0.025
mm (0.001 inch) and out-of-roundness does not
exceed 0.025 mm (0.001 inch), the cylinder bore can
be honed. If the cylinder bore taper or out- of-round
condition exceeds these maximum limits, the cylinder
block must be replaced. A slight amount of taper
always exists in the cylinder bore after the engine
has been in use for a period of time.
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CONNECTING ROD
BEARING - FITTING
Inspect the connecting rod bearings for scoring and
bent alignment tabs (Fig. 34) (Fig. 35). Check the
bearings for normal wear patterns, scoring, grooving,
fatigue and pitting (Fig. 36). Replace any bearing
that shows abnormal wear.
Inspect the connecting rod journals for signs of
scoring, nicks and burrs.
Fig. 33 Bore GaugeÐTypical
1 - FRONT
2 - BORE GAUGE
3 - CYLINDER BORE
4 - 38 MM (1.5 in)
Fig. 34 Connecting Rod Bearing Inspection
1 - UPPER BEARING HALF
2 - MATING EDGES
3 - GROOVES CAUSED BY ROD BOLTS SCRATCHING
JOURNAL DURING INSTALLATION
4 - WEAR PATTERN Ð ALWAYS GREATER ON UPPER
BEARING
5 - LOWER BEARING HALF
9 - 40 ENGINE - 3.7LKJ
ENGINE BLOCK (Continued)

Misaligned or bent connecting rods can cause
abnormal wear on pistons, piston rings, cylinder
walls, connecting rod bearings and crankshaft con-
necting rod journals. If wear patterns or damage to
any of these components indicate the probability of a
misaligned connecting rod, inspect it for correct rod
alignment. Replace misaligned, bent or twisted con-
necting rods.
(1) Wipe the oil from the connecting rod journal.
(2) Lubricate the upper bearing insert and install
in connecting rod.
(3) Use piston ring compressor and Guide Pins
Special Tool 8507 (Fig. 37) to install the rod and pis-
ton assemblies. The oil slinger slots in the rods must
face front of the engine. The ªFº's near the piston
wrist pin bore should point to the front of the engine.
(4) Install the lower bearing insert in the bearing
cap. The lower insert must be dry. Place strip of Plas-
tigage across full width of the lower insert at the cen-
ter of bearing cap. Plastigage must not crumble in
use. If brittle, obtain fresh stock.
(5) Install bearing cap and connecting rod on the
journal and tighten bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) plus a
90É turn. DO NOT rotate crankshaft. Plastigage will
smear, resulting in inaccurate indication.(6) Remove the bearing cap and determine amount
of bearing-to-journal clearance by measuring the
width of compressed Plastigage (Fig. 38). Refer to
Engine Specifications for the proper clearance.Plas-
tigage should indicate the same clearance
across the entire width of the insert. If the
clearance varies, it may be caused by either a
tapered journal, bent connecting rod or foreign
material trapped between the insert and cap or
rod.
(7) If the correct clearance is indicated, replace-
ment of the bearing inserts is not necessary. Remove
the Plastigage from crankshaft journal and bearing
insert. Proceed with installation.
(8) If bearing-to-journal clearance exceeds the
specification, determin which services bearing set to
use the bearing sizes are as follows:
Fig. 35 Locking Tab Inspection
1 - ABNORMAL CONTACT AREA CAUSED BY LOCKING TABS
NOT FULLY SEATED OR BEING BENT
Fig. 36 Scoring Caused by Insufficient Lubrication
or Damaged Crankshaft Journal
Fig. 37 Piston and Connecting Rod -Installation -
Typical
1 - ªFº TOWARD FRONT OF ENGINE
2 - OIL SLINGER SLOT
3 - RING COMPRESSOR
4 - SPECIAL TOOL 8507
KJENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 41
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS (Continued)

CRANKSHAFT MAIN
BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE
MAIN BEARING - FITTING
SELECT FIT IDENTIFICATION
The main bearings are ªselect fitº to achieve proper
oil clearances. For main bearing selection, the crank-
shaft position sensor target wheel has grade identifi-
cation marks stamped into it (Fig. 44). These marks
are read from left to right, corresponding with jour-
nal number 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The crankshaft position
sensor target wheel is mounted to the number 8
counter weight on the crankshaft.
INSPECTION
Wipe the inserts clean and inspect for abnormal
wear patterns and for metal or other foreign material
imbedded in the lining. Normal main bearing insert
wear patterns are illustrated.
Inspect the back of the inserts for fractures, scrap-
ings or irregular wear patterns.
Inspect the upper insert locking tabs for damage.Replace all damaged or worn bearing inserts.
Fig. 43 BEDPLATE TIGHTENING SEQUENCE
Fig. 44 Main Bearing Markings on Target Wheel
-Typical
1 - REARMOST CRANKSHAFT COUNTER WEIGHT
2 - TARGET WHEEL
3 - MAIN BEARING SELECT FIT MARKINGS
KJENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 45
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)

FLEX PLATE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the transmission.
(2) Remove the bolts and flexplate.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the flexplate onto the crankshaft and
install the bolts hand tight.
(2) Tighten the flexplate retaining bolts to 95 N´m
(70 ft. lbs.) in the sequence shown (Fig. 51).
(3) Install the transmission.
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Do not use a metal stamp to mark con-
necting rods as damage may result, instead use ink
or a scratch awl.
The pistons are made of a high strength aluminum
alloy. The top ring groove is coated with a anti-seize
coating. The connecting rods are made of forged pow-
dered metal, with a ªfractured capº design. A full
floating piston pin is used to attach the piston to the
connecting rod (Fig. 52).
1 Connecting Rod
2 Piston
3 Piston Pin
4 Oil Slinger Slot
STANDARD PROCEDURE
CONNECTING ROD BEARING - FITTING
Inspect the connecting rod bearings for scoring and
bent alignment tabs. Check the bearings for normal
wear patterns, scoring, grooving, fatigue and pitting.
Replace any bearing that shows abnormal wear.
Inspect the connecting rod journals for signs of
scoring, nicks and burrs.
Misaligned or bent connecting rods can cause
abnormal wear on pistons, piston rings, cylinder
walls, connecting rod bearings and crankshaft con-
necting rod journals. If wear patterns or damage to
any of these components indicate the probability of a
misaligned connecting rod, inspect it for correct rod
alignment. Replace misaligned, bent or twisted con-
necting rods.
(1) Wipe the oil from the connecting rod journal.
(2) Lubricate the upper bearing insert and install
in connecting rod.
(3) Use piston ring compressor and Guide Pins
Special Tool 8507 to install the rod and piston assem-
blies. The oil slinger slots in the rods must face front
of the engine. The ªFº's near the piston wrist pin
bore should point to the front of the engine.
(4) Install the lower bearing insert in the bearing
cap. The lower insert must be dry. Place strip of Plas-
tigage across full width of the lower insert at the cen-
ter of bearing cap. Plastigage must not crumble in
use. If brittle, obtain fresh stock.
(5) Install bearing cap and connecting rod on the
journal and tighten bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) plus a
Fig. 51 Flexplate Tightening Sequence
1 - FLEXPLATE
Fig. 52 PISTON AND ROD ASSEMBLY
KJENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 49

assemblies from the engine, rotate crankshaft so the
each connecting rod is centered in cylinder bore.
CAUTION: DO NOT use a number stamp or a punch
to mark connecting rods or caps, as damage to
connecting rods could occur
NOTE: Connecting rods and bearing caps are not
interchangeable and should be marked before
removing to ensure correct reassembly.
(4) Mark connecting rod and bearing cap positions
using a permanent ink marker or scribe tool.
CAUTION: Care must be taken not to damage the
fractured rod and cap joint face surfaces, as engine
damage may occur.
(5) Remove connecting rod cap. Install Special Tool
8507 Connecting Rod Guides into the connecting rod
being removed. Remove piston from cylinder bore.
Repeat this procedure for each piston being removed.
CAUTION: Care must be taken not to nick crank-
shaft journals, as engine damage may occur
(6) Immediately after piston and connecting rod
removal, install bearing cap on the mating connect-
ing rod to prevent damage to the fractured cap and
rod surfaces.
CLEANING
CAUTION: DO NOT use a wire wheel or other abra-
sive cleaning devise to clean the pistons or con-
necting rods. The pistons have a Moly coating, this
coating must not be damaged.
(1) Using a suitable cleaning solvent clean the pis-
tons in warm water and towel dry.
(2) Use a wood or plastic scraper to clean the ring
land grooves.
CAUTION: DO NOT remove the piston pin from the
piston and connecting rod assembly.
INSPECTION
Check the connecting rod journal for excessive
wear, taper and scoring (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/EN-
GINE BLOCK/CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Check the connecting rod for signs of twist or bend-
ing.
Check the piston for taper and elliptical shape
before it is fitted into the cylinder bore (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON & CONNECT-
ING ROD - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Check the piston for scoring, or scraping marks in
the piston skirts. Check the ring lands for cracks
and/or deterioration.
INSTALLATION
(1) Before installing piston and connecting rod
assemblies into the bore, install the piston rings.
(2) Immerse the piston head and rings in clean
engine oil. Position a ring compressor over the piston
and rings. Tighten ring compressor.Ensure posi-
tion of rings do not change during this opera-
tion.
(3) Position bearing onto connecting rod. Ensure
that tabs in bearing shell aligns with slots in con-
necting rod. Verify that parting line of bearing is
aligned with parting line of connecting rod.
(4) Lubricate bearing surface with clean engine oil.
(5) Install Special Tool 8507 Connecting Rod
Guides into connecting rod bolt threads (Fig. 55).
(6) The pistons are marked on the piston pin bore
surface with an raised ªFº indicating installation
position. This mark must be pointing toward the
front of engine on both cylinder banks. The connect-
ing rod oil slinger slot faces the front of the engine
(Fig. 56).
(7) Wipe cylinder bore clean and lubricate with
engine oil.
(8) Rotate crankshaft until connecting rod journal
is on the center of cylinder bore. Insert rod and pis-
Fig. 54 Bore Gauge - Typical
1 - FRONT
2 - BORE GAUGE
3 - CYLINDER BORE
4 - 38 MM (1.5 in)
KJENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 51
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)