3.9L V6 - VIN [X]
ENGINES Chrysler Corp. 3.9L V6 - VIN [X]
ENGINE IDENTIFICATION
** PLEASE READ THIS FIRST **
Engine may be identified by eighth character of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) stamped on metal tab,
located near lower left corner of windshield.
Engine serial number may be required when ordering replacement parts. Engine serial number is located on left
front corner of cylinder block just below cylinder head.
ENGINE IDENTIFICATION CODES
SPECIAL ENGINE MARKS
Information identifying undersize and oversize components is found at various engine locations and decoded as
follows:
Crankshaft & Rod Journals
The letter "M" (main) or "R" (rod) followed by number indicates which main or rod bearing journal
is .001" (.02 mm) undersize. The mark is stamped on No. 6 crankshaft counterweight.
Cylinder Block
Letter "A" following engine serial number indicates .020" (.51 mm) oversize cylinder bores.
A diamond-shaped stamp, located on top pad at front of engine and stamped on flat area of each oversize
lifter bore, indicates .008" (.20 mm) oversize lifters.
A stamp "X" indicates .005" (.13 mm) oversize valve stems. The stamp is found on machined pad, near
two 3/8" tapped holes on each end of cylinder head.
ADJUSTMENTS
VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT
H y draulic valve lifters are used. No valve ad j ustment is required.
NOTE: For repair procedures not covered in this article, see ENGINE OVERHAUL
PROCEDURES - GENERAL INFORMATION article in GENERAL INFORMATION.
Engine Code
3.9L PFI X Monday, December 04, 2017 11:38:56 PM Page 1 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE
Gasoline
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Loosen fuel tank cap to release tank pressure. Using Fuel Pressure
Gauge Set (5069), remove gauge from hose assembly. Place gauge end of hose into an approved gasoline
container.
2. Remove fuel rail test port protective cap and place a shop towel under test port. To release fuel pressure,
screw other end of hose assembly onto test port. Once all fuel pressure is released, install protective cap
on test port.
ENGINE
Removal (Ram Van/Wagon)
1. Release fuel pressure. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE . Disconnect negative battery cable. Drain
cooling system and engine oil. Remove and discard oil filter.
2. Remove engine cover, air cleaner and oil dipstick. Discharge A/C system (if equipped) using approved
refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Disconnect A/C lines at condenser and plug openings. Remove
A/C compressor. Disconnect fan shroud.
3. Remove front bumper, grille and support brace. Disconnect coolant hoses. Remove radiator, condenser
and support as an assembly.
4. Remove upper fan shroud. Remove power steering pump with hoses attached, and set aside. Remove air
pump, spark plug wires and distributor cap. Disconnect necessary electrical wiring, fuel lines, coolant
hoses and vacuum hoses. Remove air cleaner, throttle body, drive belts, alternator, fan and fan pulley.
Remove lower fan shroud.
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems
may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer
systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN
PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting
battery.
NOTE: For installation reference, label all electrical connectors, vacuum hoses and fuel
lines before removal. Also place mating marks on engine hood and other major
assemblies before removal.
CAUTION: Fuel system is under pressure. Pressure must be released before
servicing fuel system components.
CAUTION: When removing engine, DO NOT lift engine by intake manifold.
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5. Remove intake manifold. See INTAKE MANIFOLD . Raise and support vehicle. Remove starter.
Remove exhaust pipe and heat shields. Disconnect transmission shift linkage. Remove crank sensor.
6. On A/T models, remove transmission inspection cover. Mark torque converter-to-flexplate position for
installation reference. Remove torque converter-to-flexplate bolts. On M/T models, disconnect clutch
release mechanism at clutch housing.
7. Attach engine hoist to cylinder heads (at intake manifold flanges). On all models, support transmission
using a floor jack. Remove transmission or clutch housing-to-cylinder block bolts. Remove engine mount
bolts. Remove engine out front of vehicle.
Installation (Ram Van/Wagon)
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts/nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
On A/T models, ensure reference marks on torque converter and flexplate are aligned. Evacuate and charge A/C
system.
Removal (All Others)
1. Release fuel pressure. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE . Disconnect and remove battery. On all
except Pickup, scribe hood hinges for installation reference and remove hood.
2. Drain cooling system. Disconnect coolant hoses. Remove radiator, fan and shroud. Discharge A/C system
(if equipped) using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Disconnect A/C lines and plug
openings. On Pickup, remove upper core support, transmission cooler and A/C condenser. On all models,
remove belt, air cleaner, vacuum lines, distributor cap and wiring.
3. Disconnect necessary electrical wiring and fuel lines. Remove throttle body and linkage. Remove intake
manifold. Remove starter, alternator, charcoal canister and horns. Disconnect power steering hoses (if
equipped). Raise and support vehicle. Drain oil. Disconnect exhaust pipe at exhaust manifold.
4. On A/T models, remove transmission housing inspection plate. Mark torque converter-to-flexplate
position for installation reference. Remove torque converter-to-flexplate bolts. Remove bracket for
transmission cooler lines.
5. On M/T models, disconnect clutch release mechanism at clutch housing. On all models, support
transmission using a floor jack. Remove transmission or clutch housing-to-cylinder block bolts. Install
engine lifting fixture, and attach chain. On Dakota 4WD models, go to step 7).
6. On Ram Pickup, remove front engine mount bolts. Remove engine from vehicle. On Dakota 2WD
models, remove front engine mount through-bolts. See Fig. 1 . Remove engine from vehicle.
CAUTION: When removing engine, DO NOT lift engine by intake manifold.
NOTE: It may be necessary to remove manual transmission if transmission
cannot be supported using floor jack.
NOTE: On Dakota 4WD models, the engine, transmission and front axle are
connected and supported with insulators and brackets.
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7. On left side of Dakota 4WD models, remove 2 bolts attaching differential pinion nose bracket-to-
bellhousing bolts. Remove pinion nose bracket-to-adapter bolts (located on top of differential, near
pinion). Separate engine from engine mount by removing engine mount through-bolt and nut located on
top of engine mount.
8. On right side of Dakota 4WD models, remove 2 axle-to-bracket bolts and bracket-to-bellhousing bolt.
Separate engine from engine mount by removing engine mount through-bolt and nut located on top of
engine mount. Remove engine from vehicle.
Installation (All Others)
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts/nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
On A/T models, ensure reference marks on torque converter and flexplate are aligned. Evacuate and charge A/C
system.
Monday, December 04, 2017 11:38:39 PM Page 4 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Fi g . 1: Dakota En g ine Mounts
Courtesy of CHRYSLER CORP.
INTAKE MANIFOLD
Removal
1. Release fuel pressure. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE . Disconnect negative battery cable. Drain
cooling system. Disconnect accelerator, cruise control, and transmission kickdown cables. Disconnect
fuel lines at throttle body.
2. Remove engine cover (Ram Van/Wagon), air cleaner, and alternator. Disconnect necessary electrical
wiring, coolant hoses and vacuum hoses. Remove distributor cap and spark plug wires. Remove valve
covers (if necessary).
3. Remove bolts, intake manifold and gaskets. Separate throttle body from intake manifold (if necessary).
Turn intake manifold upside-down and remove plenum pan (if necessary).
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Fi g . 2: Plenum Pan Bolt Ti g htenin g Sequence
Courtesy of CHRYSLER CORP.
Installation
1. Install plenum pan and install all bolts finger tight. Tighten bolts to specification, in steps, and in
sequence. See Fig. 2 . See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
2. Install manifold flange gaskets on cylinder head with MANIFOLD SIDE words visible. Place a 13/64" (5
mm) bead of silicone rubber adhesive sealant at 4 corner joints. Install front and rear gaskets. Ensure
holes in front and rear gaskets engage with dowels in cylinder block.
3. Install intake manifold and install all bolts finger tight. Tighten bolts to specification, in steps, and in
sequence. See Fig. 3 . See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . To install remaining components, reverse
removal procedure.
Fig. 3: Intake Manifold Bolt Tightening Sequence
Monday, December 04, 2017 11:38:39 PM Page 6 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Courtes y of CHRYSLER CORP.
EXHAUST MANIFOLD
Removal
Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support vehicle. Disconnect exhaust pipe from exhaust manifold.
Lower vehicle. Remove exhaust heat shields (if equipped). Remove bolts, nuts, washers and exhaust manifold.
N ote location of conical washer on bolts/studs. Remove manifold.
Inspection
Check exhaust manifold mating surface warpage. Repair or replace exhaust manifold if warpage
exceeds .004" (.10 mm) overall.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure conical washers are installed in original locations. Tighten
bolts/nuts to specification, starting at center and working outward. Refer to the TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
table.
CYLINDER HEAD
Removal
1. On Ram Van/Wagon, remove engine cover and heat shields. On all models, disconnect battery and drain
coolant. Remove alternator bracket support rod and alternator. Remove intake and exhaust manifold. See
INTAKE MANIFOLD and EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
2. Remove rocker arms and push rods. See ROCKER ARMS . Remove cylinder head bolts, cylinder head
and gasket.
Inspection
Check cylinder head warpage. Repair or replace cylinder head if warpage exceeds specification. See
CYLINDER HEAD table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten cylinder head bolts to specification and in sequence using 3
steps. See Fig. 4 . See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
CAUTION: Install NEW studs in cylinder head if studs came out when removing
exhaust manifold. Apply sealant to coarse threads of studs before
installing in head.
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Fig. 4: Cylinder Head Bolt Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of CHRYSLER CORP.
FRONT COVER OIL SEAL
Removal
Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove drive belts from crankshaft pulley. Remove fan and shroud.
Remove crankshaft pulley and vibration damper. Pry oil seal from front cover.
Installation
1. Use Seal Installer (6635) for seal installation. Installer should fit with minimum interference. If installer
does not fit, front cover must be removed and installed properly.
2. Position small diameter of oil seal over seal installer. Using vibration damper bolt, tighten seal installer to
draw seal into position. Remove vibration damper bolt and seal installer. To complete installation, reverse
removal procedure.
FRONT COVER
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Removal
1. Disconnect battery. Drain coolant. Remove power steering pump (if equipped). Remove water pump. See
WATER PUMP .
2. Remove crankshaft pulley and vibration damper. Loosen oil pan bolts. Remove oil pan-to-front cover
bolts on each side of oil pan. Remove bolts, front cover and gasket. DO NOT damage oil pan gasket.
Installation
1. Ensure sealing surfaces are clean. Apply a 1/8" (3.17 mm) bead of RTV sealant to oil pan gasket. Install
gasket, front cover and bolts. DO NOT tighten bolts at this time.
2. Install front cover oil seal. See FRONT COVER OIL SEAL . Tighten front cover, oil pan and then
vibration damper bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . To complete installation,
reverse removal procedure.
TIMING CHAIN
Inspection
1. Remove front cover. See FRONT COVER . Position ruler at camshaft sprocket, near timing chain link,
to check timing chain stretch.
2. Place torque wrench on camshaft sprocket bolt. Apply 30 ft. lbs. (41 N.m) torque with cylinder heads
installed, or 15 ft. lbs. (20 N.m) with cylinder heads removed, on camshaft sprocket bolt in direction of
engine rotation. Note reading on ruler.
3. Apply same amount of torque in opposite direction and note amount of timing chain movement on ruler.
If movement exceeds 1/8" (3.17 mm), replace timing chain.
Removal
Rotate crankshaft so timing marks are aligned. See Fig. 5 . Remove camshaft sprocket bolt, camshaft sprocket,
timing chain and crankshaft sprocket.
Installation
1. Install timing chain and sprockets. Ensure timing marks are aligned. See Fig. 5 . Install camshaft sprocket
bolt and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
2. Ensure camshaft end play is within specification. See CAMSHAFT table under ENGINE
SPECIFICATIONS. If end play is not within specification, replace thrust plate located between camshaft
sprocket and camshaft. To install remainin g components, reverse removal procedure.
NOTE: When applying torque to camshaft sprocket bolt, DO NOT allow crankshaft
to move. It may be necessary to hold crankshaft.
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Fig. 5: Aligning Timing Marks
Courtesy of CHRYSLER CORP.
ROCKER ARMS
Removal
Disconnect spark plug wires, PCV and fuel evaporation hoses. Remove valve covers. Remove bolts, pivots, and
rocker arms. Wire components together for installation reference. Mark push rod location and remove (if
necessary).
Installation
1. Locate "V6" mark stamped on vibration damper (147° ATDC). Rotate engine, by hand, until "V6" mark
lines up with TDC mark on timing chain cover.
2. On all engines, install rocker arm and pivot assemblies and tighten bolt to 21 ft. lbs. (28 N.m). Wait 5
MINUTES before starting engine to allow valve lifters to bleed down after rocker arm installation. To
install remaining components, reverse removal procedure. Tighten valve cover bolts to 95 INCH lbs. (11
N.m).
VALVE LIFTERS
CAUTION: To avoid piston-to-valve contact during rocker arm installation, crankshaft
MUST be placed in specified position. Wait 5 minutes before starting
engine to allow valve lifters to bleed down after rocker arm installation.
Monday, December 04, 2017 11:38:39 PM Page 10 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
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