Dodge Dakota Sport 2001 Service Manual page 1063

9 - 34 ENGINE 2.5L
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS (Continued)
(11) FOR EXAMPLE: If the initial clearance was
0.0762 mm (0.003 inch), 0.025 mm (0.001 inch)
undersize inserts would reduce the clearance by
0.025 mm (0.001 inch). The clearance would be 0.002
inch and within specification. A 0.051 mm (0.002
inch) undersize insert would reduce the initial clear-
ance an additional 0.013 mm (0.0005 inch). The
clearance would then be 0.038 mm (0.0015 inch).
(12) Repeat the Plastigage measurement to verify
your bearing selection prior to final assembly.
(13) Once you have selected the proper insert,
install the insert and cap. Tighten the connecting rod
bolts to 45 N·m (33 ft. lbs.) torque. Slide snug-fitting
feeler gauge between the connecting rod and crank-
shaft journal flange (Fig. 35). (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
SPECIFICATIONS) for the proper clearance. Replace
the connecting rod if the side clearance is not within
specification.
Fig. 35 Checking Connecting Rod Side Clearance -
CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION
The crankshaft (Fig. 36) is of a forged steel design,
with five main bearing journals and eight counter
balance weights.The crankshaft is located at the bot-
tom of the engine block and is held in place with five
main bearing caps.
OPERATION
The crankshaft transfers force generated by com-
bustion within the cylinder bores to the flywheel or
flexplate.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the oil pump from the rear main bear-
ing cap.
Typical
Fig. 36 Crankshaft 3.9L Engine
1 - MAIN BEARING JOURNALS
2 - COUNTER BALANCE WEIGHTS
(3) Remove the vibration damper (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the timing chain cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(5) Identify bearing caps before removal. Remove
bearing caps and bearings one at a time.
(6) Lift the crankshaft out of the block.
(7) Remove and discard the crankshaft rear oil
seals.
(8) Remove and discard the front crankshaft oil
seal.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lightly oil the new upper seal lips with engine
oil.
(2) Install the new upper rear bearing oil seal with
the white paint facing towards the rear of the engine.
(3) Position the crankshaft into the cylinder block.
(4) Lightly oil the new lower seal lips with engine
oil.
(5) Install the new lower rear bearing oil seal into
the bearing cap with the white paint facing towards
the rear of the engine.
(6) Apply 5 mm (0.20 in) drop of Mopar
Eliminator, or equivalent, on each side of the rear
main bearing cap (Fig. 37). DO NOT over apply seal-
ant or allow the sealant to contact the rubber seal.
Assemble bearing cap to cylinder block immediately
after sealant application.
AN
Gasket