Dodge 2000 DURANGO Service Manual page 651

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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.
Fig. 10 Crankshaft with Journal Size Identification
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
ENGINE DIAGNOSIS—INTRODUCTION
Engine diagnosis is helpful in determining the
causes of malfunctions not detected and remedied by
routine maintenance.
These malfunctions may be classified as either
mechanical (e.g., a strange noise), or performance
(e.g., engine idles rough and stalls).
Refer to the Service Diagnosis—Mechanical Chart
and the Service Diagnosis—Performance Chart, for
possible causes and corrections of malfunctions. Refer
to FUEL SYSTEM for the fuel system diagnosis.
Additional tests and diagnostic procedures may be
necessary for specific engine malfunctions that can-
not be isolated with the Service Diagnosis charts.
Information concerning additional tests and diagno-
sis is provided within the following:
• Cylinder Compression Pressure Test
• Cylinder Combustion Pressure Leakage Test
• Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Diagnosis
• Intake Manifold Leakage Diagnosis
• Lash Adjuster (Tappet) Noise Diagnosis
• Engine Oil Leak Inspection
5.9L ENGINE 9 - 141