Dodge 2000 DURANGO Service Manual page 600

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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS
DESCRIPTION
Main bearings are located in the cylinder block.
One half of the main bearing is located in the crank-
shaft main bore the other half of the matching bear-
ing is located in the main bearing cap (Fig. 9). There
are five main bearings. Number three main bearing
is flanged, this flange controls crankshaft thrust.
Fig. 9 Main Bearing Orientation
OPERATION
The main bearings encircle the crankshaft main
bearing journals, this aligns the crankshaft to the
centerline of the engine and allows the crankshaft to
turn without wobbling or shaking therefore eliminat-
ing vibration. The main bearings are available in
standard and undersizes.
CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION
The crankshaft is of a cast nodular steel splayed
type design, with five main bearing journals. The
crankshaft is located at the bottom of the engine
block and is held in place with five main bearing
caps. The number 3 counterweight is the location for
journal size identification (Fig. 10).
OPERATION
The crankshaft transfers force generated by com-
bustion within the cylinder bores to the flywheel or
flexplate.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
FORM-IN-PLACE GASKETS
There are several places where form-in-place gas-
kets are used on the engine. DO NOT use form-in-
Fig. 10 Crankshaft with Journal Size Identification
place gasket material unless specified. Care
must be taken when applying form-in-place gaskets.
Bead size, continuity and location are of great impor-
tance. Too thin a bead can result in leakage while too
much can result in spill-over. A continuous bead of
the proper width is essential to obtain a leak-free
joint.
Two types of form-in-place gasket materials are
used in the engine area (Mopar Silicone Rubber
Adhesive Sealant and Mopar Gasket Maker). Each
have different properties and cannot be used inter-
changeably.
MOPAR SILICONE RUBBER ADHESIVE SEALANT
Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant, normally
black in color, is available in 3 ounce tubes. Moisture
in the air causes the sealant material to cure. This
material is normally used on flexible metal flanges.
It has a shelf life of a year and will not properly cure
if over aged. Always inspect the package for the expi-
ration date before use.
MOPAR GASKET MAKER
Mopar Gasket Maker, normally red in color, is
available in 6 cc tubes. This anaerobic type gasket
material cures in the absence of air when squeezed
between smooth machined metallic surfaces. It will
not cure if left in the uncovered tube. DO NOT use
on flexible metal flanges.
SURFACE PREPARATION
Parts assembled with form-in-place gaskets may be
disassembled without
instances, it may be necessary to lightly tap the part
with a mallet or other suitable tool to break the seal
between the mating surfaces. A flat gasket scraper
may also be lightly tapped into the joint but care
must be taken not to damage the mating surfaces.
5.2L ENGINE 9 - 91
unusual effort. In some