Section 501 (3.7L Engine (Service Information)): Crankshaft: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Jeep Liberty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Main bearings are select fit. Refer to CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS for proper bearing selections.

CAUTION: When installing crankshaft, use care not to damage bearing surfaces on the crankshaft.

NOTE: Apply sealant to the tone wheel retaining screws prior to installation.

Lubricate upper main bearing halves with clean engine oil.
Install the crankshaft tone wheel. Torque the mounting screws to 15 N.m (11 ft. lbs.).
Position crankshaft in cylinder block.
Install the thrust washers. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Crankshaft Thrust Washer Installation
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - CRANKSHAFT THRUST WASHER

CAUTION: The bedplate to cylinder block mating surface must be coated with Mopar® Engine RTV sealant prior to installation. Failure to do so will cause severe oil leaks.

NOTE: Make sure that the bedplate and cylinder block sealing surfaces are clean and free of oil or other contaminants. Contaminants on the sealing surfaces may cause main bearing distortion and/or oil leaks.
Apply a 2.5mm (0.100 inch) bead of Mopar® Engine RTV sealant to the cylinder block-to-bedplate mating surface as shown. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Cylinder Block-To-Bedplate Sealant Bead Location
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - CYLINDER BLOCK

2 - SEALANT BEAD LOCATION
Coat the crankshaft main bearing journals with clean engine oil and position the bedplate onto the cylinder block.
NOTE: Lubricate the bedplate retaining bolts with clean engine oil prior to installation.
Install the bedplate retaining bolts, making sure to place the stud bolts in the correct location, Torque the bolts in the sequence shown. See Fig 3.

Fig 3: Bedplate Tightening Sequence

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Hand tighten bolts 1D, 1G and 1F until the bedplate contacts the block.
Tighten bolts 1A-1J to 54 N.m (40 ft. lbs.)
Tighten bolts 1-8 to 7 N.m (5 ft. lbs.)
Turn bolts 1-8 an additional 90°.
Tighten bolts A-E 27 N.m ( 20 ft. lbs.).

Measure crankshaft end play. Refer to CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS for procedure.
Install the connecting rods and measure side clearance. Refer to PISTON & CONNECTING ROD for procedure.
Position the oil pan gasket/windage tray, using a new o-ring, install the oil pickup tube. Torque the bolt to 28N.n (20 ft. lbs.) torque the nuts to 28N.m (20 ft. lbs.).
Install the oil pan. Torque the retaining bolts to 15 N.m (11 ft. lbs.) in the sequence shown.
Install the engine.