Flex Plate; Removal; Installation; Piston & Connecting Rod Description - Chrysler 300M Service Manual

LH
CRANKSHAFT REAR OIL SEAL RETAINER (Continued)
Fig. 78 Rear Crankshaft Seal Retainer Alignment
1 - SEAL RETAINER
2 - SPECIAL TOOLS 8225

FLEX PLATE

REMOVAL

(1) Remove the transaxle. (Refer to 21 - TRANS-
MISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove flex plate attaching bolts.
(3) Remove the flex plate (Fig. 79).

INSTALLATION

(1) Position flex plate with backing plate on the
crankshaft (Fig. 79).
(2) Apply Mopar Lock & Seal Adhesive to the flex
plate bolts.
(3) Install flex plate bolts (Fig. 79). Tighten bolts
to 95 N·m (70 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the transaxle. (Refer to 21 - TRANS-
MISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC
INSTALLATION)
1 - FLEX PLATE
2 - BOLT (QTY. 8)
3 - BACKING PLATE
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: Valve reliefs were removed from the pistons
for the 2003MY. It is possible when ordering a ser-
vice piston/rod assembly that valve reliefs are
present. These may be used in the engine, and will
not affect engine operation.
The pistons are made of a high strength aluminum
alloy. Top land height has been decreased to reduce
emissions. Piston skirts are coated with a solid lubri-
cant for scuff resistance. Connecting rod is forged
steel with a squirt hole and attaches to the piston
with a full floating pin retained by lock rings.

STANDARD PROCEDURE - FITTING PISTONS

The pistons are machined to two different weight
- 42LE -
specifications and matched to rods based on weight.
All piston and rod assemblies weigh the same to
maintain engine balance.
Piston and cylinder wall must be clean and dry.
Piston diameter should be measured 90 degrees to
piston pin at size location shown in (Fig. 80). Cylin-
der bores should be measured halfway down the cyl-
inder bore and transverse to the engine crankshaft
center line (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICA-
TIONS). Pistons and cylinder bores should be
measured at normal room temperature, 70°F
(21°C).
- 42LE -
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the cylinder heads (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL)
ENGINE 9 - 51
Fig. 79 FLEX PLATE