Standard Procedure - Measuring Bearing Clearance Using Plastigage; Removal - Engine Assembly - Chrysler Concorde 2004 Service Manual

LH
ENGINE 3.5L (Continued)
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. 6). (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.
Fig. 6 Plastigage Placed in Lower Shell—Typical
1 - PLASTIGAGE
(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.

REMOVAL - ENGINE ASSEMBLY

(1) Release fuel pressure. (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(2) Disconnect negative cable at right strut tower
(Fig. 7).
Fig. 7 NEGATIVE CABLE REMOTE TERMINAL
1 - RIGHT STRUT TOWER
2 - BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE
(3) Mark hood position at hinges and remove hood.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/HOOD/HOOD - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove both wiper arms. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER
REMOVAL)
(5) Remove both right and left cowl screens. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/COWL GRILLE AND
SCREEN - REMOVAL)
(6) Remove strut tower brace.(Refer to 23 - BODY/
EXTERIOR/FRONT STRUT TOWER TO TOWER
BRACE - REMOVAL)
(7) Remove air cleaner assembly with air inlet
hose (Fig. 8).
(8) Remove upper radiator crossmember. (Refer to
23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE OPENING REIN-
FORCEMENT - REMOVAL)
(9) Disconnect hood release cable from hood latch.
(10) Drain cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(11) Remove radiator fan. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL)
(12) Remove accessory drive belts. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
ENGINE 9 - 13
ARMS -