3.8L Engine

See Figures 5, 6 and 7

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Drain the cooling system and crankcase.

2. Remove the timing chain/engine front cover and water pump as an assembly. For details, please refer to the timing chain cover procedure located earlier in this section.

3. Remove the camshaft sprocket bolt and washer from end of the camshaft.

4. Remove the distributor drive gear.

5. Remove the camshaft sprocket, crankshaft sprocket and timing chain.

Images available only to Customers.


Fig. 5: If difficulty is encountered removing the crankshaft sprocket, use 2 prybars to carefully pry if off the shaft

1. Remove the chain tensioner assembly from the front of the cylinder block. This is accomplished by pulling back on the ratcheting mechanism and installing a pin through the hole in the bracket to relieve tension.

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Fig. 6: Timing chain and related components-3.8L engine

To install:

1. Lightly oil all bolt and stud threads before installation. Clean all gasket surfaces on the front cover, cylinder block and fuel pump. If reusing the front cover, replace crankshaft front oil seal.

2. If a new front cover is to be installed, complete the following:

   1. Install the oil pump gears.

   2. Clean the water pump gasket surface. Position a new water pump gasket on the front cover and install water pump. Install the pump attaching bolts and tighten to 15-22 ft. lbs. (20-30 Nm).

3. Rotate the crankshaft as necessary to position piston No. 1 at TDC and the crankshaft keyway at the 12 o' clock position.

4. Install the tensioner assembly. Make sure the ratcheting mechanism is in the retracted position with the pin pointing outward from the hole in the bracket assembly. Tighten the retaining bolts to 6-10 ft. lbs. (8-14 Nm).

5. Lubricate timing chain with clean engine oil. Install the camshaft sprocket, crankshaft sprocket and timing chain.

6. Remove the pin from the tensioner/vibration damper assembly to load the timing chain vibration damper arm against the timing chain. Make certain the timing marks are positioned across from each other.

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Fig. 7: Position of the timing marks when the No. 1 piston is at TDC

1. Install the distributor drive gear.

2. Install the camshaft sprocket washer and bolt at the end of the camshaft, then tighten to 30-37 ft. lbs. (41-50 Nm).

3. Install the timing chain/engine front cover, using a new gasket. For details regarding this procedure, please refer to timing chain cover removal and installation earlier in this section.

4. Connect battery ground cable. Start the engine and check for leaks