Chrysler Stratus Convertible. Manual — part 385

b. Remove suspected lash adjusters, and replace as

necessary.

ENGINE OIL LEAK INSPECTION

Begin with a thorough visual inspection of the

engine, particularly at the area of the suspected leak.
If an oil leak source is not readily identifiable, the
following steps should be followed:

(1) Do not clean or degrease the engine at this

time because some solvents may cause rubber to
swell, temporarily stopping the leak.

(2) Add an oil soluble dye (use as recommended by

manufacturer). Start the engine and let idle for
approximately 15 minutes. Check the oil dipstick to
make sure the dye is thoroughly mixed as indicated
with a bright yellow color under a black light.

(3) Using a black light, inspect the entire engine

for fluorescent dye, particularly at the suspected area
of oil leak. If the oil leak is found and identified,
repair per service manual instructions.

(4) If dye is not observed, drive the vehicle at var-

ious speeds for approximately 24 km (15 miles), and
repeat inspection.

(5)

If the oil leak source is not positively

identified at this time, proceed with the air leak
detection test method as follows:

• Disconnect the fresh air hose (make-up air) at

the cylinder head cover and plug or cap the nipple on
the cover.

• Remove the PCV valve hose from the cylinder

head cover. Cap or plug the PCV valve nipple on the
cover.

• Attach an air hose with pressure gauge and reg-

ulator to the dipstick tube.

CAUTION: Do not subject the engine assembly to
more than 20.6 kpa (3 PSI) of test pressure.

• Gradually apply air pressure from 1 psi to 2.5

psi maximum while applying soapy water at the sus-
pected source. Adjust the regulator to the suitable
test pressure that provides the best bubbles which
will pinpoint the leak source. If the oil leak is
detected and identified, repair per service manual
procedures.

• If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil

seal area, refer to the section, Inspection for Rear
Seal Area Leak.

(6) If no leaks are detected, turn off the air supply.

Remove the air hose, all plugs, and caps. Install the
PCV valve and fresh air hose (make-up air). Proceed
to next step.

(7) Clean the oil off the suspect oil leak area using

a suitable solvent. Drive the vehicle at various
speeds approximately 24 km (15 miles). Inspect the
engine for signs of an oil leak by using a black light.

NOTE: If oil leakage is observed at the dipstick
tube to block location; remove the tube, clean and
reseal using Mopar

T

Stud & Bearing Mount (press

fit tube applications only), and for O-ring style
tubes, remove tube and replace the O-ring seal.

INSPECTION FOR REAR SEAL AREA LEAKS

Since it is sometimes difficult to determine the

source of an oil leak in the rear seal area of the
engine, a more involved inspection is necessary. The
following steps should be followed to help pinpoint
the source of the leak.

If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil seal

area:

(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle.
(3) Remove torque converter or clutch housing

cover and inspect rear of block for evidence of oil.
Use a black light to check for the oil leak. If a leak is
present in this area, remove transmission for further
inspection.

(a) Circular spray pattern generally indicates

seal leakage or crankshaft damage.

(b) Where leakage tends to run straight down,

possible causes are a porous block, oil gallery cup
plug, bedplate to cylinder block mating surfaces
and seal bore. See proper repair procedures for
these items.
(4) If no leaks are detected, pressurize the crank-

case as previously described.

CAUTION: Do not exceed 20.6 kPa (3 psi).

(5) If the leak is not detected, very slowly turn the

crankshaft and watch for leakage. If a leak is
detected between the crankshaft and seal while
slowly turning the crankshaft, it is possible the
crankshaft seal surface is damaged. The seal area on
the crankshaft could have minor nicks or scratches
that can be polished out with emery cloth.

CAUTION: Use extreme caution when crankshaft
polishing is necessary to remove minor nicks and
scratches. The crankshaft seal flange is especially
machined to complement the function of the rear oil
seal.

(6) For bubbles that remain steady with shaft

rotation, no further inspection can be done until dis-
assembled.

(7) After the oil leak root cause and appropriate

corrective action have been identified, refer to Crank-
shaft Oil Seal—Rear for proper replacement proce-
dures.

JX

2.0L SOHC ENGINE

9 - 13

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE CHECKING

(1) Remove oil pressure switch and install gauge

assembly C-3292 with adaptor.

(2) Run engine until thermostat opens.

CAUTION: If oil pressure is 0 at idle, Do Not per-
form the 3000 RPM test in the next step.

(3) Oil Pressure: Curb Idle 25 kPa (4 psi) mini-

mum 3000 RPM 170-550 kPa (25-80 psi).

(4) If oil pressure is 0 at idle. Shut off engine,

check for pressure relief valve stuck open, a clogged
oil pick-up screen or a damaged oil pick-up tube
O-ring.

SERVICE PROCEDURES

ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECKING

The best time to check engine oil level is after it

has sat overnight, or if the engine has been running,
allow the engine to be shut off for at least 5 minutes
before checking oil level.

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level

ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level
reading. Remove dipstick (Fig. 8), and observe oil
level. Add oil only when the level is at or below the
ADD mark (Fig. 9).

ENGINE OIL SERVICE

WARNING: NEW OR USED ENGINE OIL CAN BE
IRRITATING TO THE SKIN. AVOID PROLONGED OR
REPEATED SKIN CONTACT WITH ENGINE OIL.
CONTAMINANTS IN USED ENGINE OIL, CAUSED BY
INTERNAL COMBUSTION, CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO
YOUR HEALTH. THOROUGHLY WASH EXPOSED
SKIN WITH SOAP AND WATER. DO NOT WASH
SKIN WITH GASOLINE, DIESEL FUEL, THINNER, OR
SOLVENTS, HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN RESULT. DO
NOT POLLUTE, DISPOSE OF USED ENGINE OIL
PROPERLY. CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR GOVERN-
MENT AGENCY FOR LOCATION OF COLLECTION
CENTER IN YOUR AREA.

API SERVICE GRADE CERTIFIED

Use an engine oil that is API Service Grade Certi-

fied. MOPAR

t provides engine oils that conform to

this service grade.

Fig. 8 Dipstick and Engine Oil Fill Locations—2.0L

1 – COOLANT RECOVERY CONTAINER
2 – ENGINE OIL FILL

3 – ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
4 – COOLANT PRESSURE CAP

Fig. 9 Oil Level

1 – ENGINE OIL LEVEL DIPSTICK

9 - 14

2.0L SOHC ENGINE

JX

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

SAE VISCOSITY

An SAE viscosity grade is used to specify the vis-

cosity of engine oil. Use only engine oils with multi-
ple viscosities such as 5W-30 or 10W-30. These are
specified with a dual SAE viscosity grade which indi-
cates the cold-to-hot temperature viscosity range.
Select an engine oil that is best suited to your par-
ticular temperature range and variation (Fig. 10).

ENERGY CONSERVING OIL

An Energy Conserving type oil is recommended for

gasoline engines. The designation of ENERGY CON-
SERVING is located on the label of an engine oil con-
tainer.

CONTAINER IDENTIFICATION

Standard engine oil identification notations have

been adopted to aid in the proper selection of engine
oil. The identifying notations are located on the label
of engine oil plastic bottles and the top of engine oil
cans (Fig. 11).

ENGINE OIL CHANGE

CHANGING ENGINE OIL

Change engine oil at mileage and time intervals

described in the Maintenance Schedule. Refer to
Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance.

WARNING: NEW OR USED ENGINE OIL CAN BE
IRRITATING TO THE SKIN. AVOID PROLONGED OR
REPEATED SKIN CONTACT WITH ENGINE OIL.

CONTAMINANTS IN USED ENGINE OIL, CAUSED BY
INTERNAL COMBUSTION, CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO
YOUR HEALTH. THOROUGHLY WASH EXPOSED
SKIN WITH SOAP AND WATER. DO NOT WASH
SKIN WITH GASOLINE, DIESEL FUEL, THINNER, OR
SOLVENTS, HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN RESULT. DO
NOT POLLUTE, DISPOSE OF USED ENGINE OIL
PROPERLY. CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR GOVERN-
MENT AGENCY FOR LOCATION OF COLLECTION
CENTER IN YOUR AREA.

Run engine until achieving normal operating tem-

perature.

(1) Position the vehicle on a level surface and turn

engine off.

(2) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.

Refer to Hoisting and Jacking Recommendations.

(3) Remove oil fill cap. Refer to (Fig. 8).
(4) Place a suitable drain pan under crankcase

drain.

(5) Remove drain plug from crankcase and allow

oil to drain into pan. Inspect drain plug threads for
stretching or other damage. Replace drain plug and
gasket if damaged.

(6) Install drain plug in crankcase.
(7) Lower vehicle and fill crankcase with specified

type and amount of engine oil described in this sec-
tion.

(8) Install oil fill cap.
(9) Start engine and inspect for leaks.
(10) Stop engine and inspect oil level.

ENGINE OIL FILTER CHANGE

FILTER SPECIFICATION

All engines are equipped with a high quality full-

flow, disposable type oil filter. Replace oil filter with
a Mopar

t or the equivalent.

OIL FILTER REMOVAL

Refer to Removal and Installation Section in Group

9, Engine for procedure.

USED ENGINE OIL DISPOSAL

Care should be exercised when disposing used

engine oil after it has been drained from a vehicle
engine. Refer to the WARNING listed above.

FORM-IN-PLACE GASKETS & SEALERS

There are numerous places where form-in-place

gaskets are used on the engine. Care must be taken
when

applying

form-in-place

gaskets

to

assure

obtaining the desired results. Do not use form-in-
place gasket material unless specified. Bead size,
continuity, and location are of great importance. Too
thin a bead can result in leakage while too much can
result in spill-over which can break off and obstruct

Fig. 10 Temperature/Engine Oil Viscosity

Fig. 11 Engine Oil Container Standard Notations

JX

2.0L SOHC ENGINE

9 - 15

SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

fluid feed lines. A continuous bead of the proper
width is essential to obtain a leak-free gasket.

There are numerous types of form-in-place gasket

materials that are used in the engine area. Mopar

t

Engine RTV GEN II, Mopar

t ATF-RTV, and Mopart

Gasket Maker gasket materials, each have different
properties and can not be used in place of the other.

MOPAR

t ENGINE RTV GEN II

Mopar

t Engine RTV GEN II is used to seal com-

ponents exposed to engine oil. This material is a spe-
cially designed black silicone rubber RTV that
retains

adhesion

and

sealing

properties

when

exposed to engine oil. Moisture in the air causes the
material to cure. This material is available in three
ounce tubes and has a shelf life of one year. After one
year this material will not properly cure. Always
inspect the package for the expiration date before
use.

MOPAR

t ATF RTV

Mopar

t ATF RTV is a specifically designed black

silicone rubber RTV that retains adhesion and seal-
ing properties to seal components exposed to auto-
matic

transmission

fluid,

engine

coolants,

and

moisture. This material is available in three ounce
tubes and has a shelf life of one year. After one year
this material will not properly cure. Always inspect
the package for the expiration date before use.

MOPAR

t GASKET MAKER

Mopar

t Gasket Maker is an anaerobic type gasket

material. The material cures in the absence of air
when squeezed between two metallic surfaces. It will
not cure if left in the uncovered tube. The anaerobic
material is for use between two machined surfaces.
Do not use on flexible metal flanges.

MOPAR

t BED PLATE SEALANT

Mopar

t Bed Plate Sealant is a unique (green-in-

color) anaerobic type gasket material that is specially
made to seal the area between the bedplate and cyl-
inder block without disturbing the bearing clearance
or alignment of these components. The material
cures slowly in the absence of air when torqued
between two metallic surfaces, and will rapidly cure
when heat is applied.

MOPAR

t GASKET SEALANT

Mopar

t Gasket Sealant is a slow drying, perma-

nently soft sealer. This material is recommended for
sealing threaded fittings and gaskets against leakage
of oil and coolant. Can be used on threaded and
machined parts under all temperatures. This mate-
rial is used on engines with multi-layer steel (MLS)
cylinder head gaskets. This material also will pre-
vent corrosion. Mopar

t Gasket Sealant is available in

a 13 oz. aerosol can or 4oz./16 oz. can w/applicator.

FORM-IN-PLACE GASKET AND SEALER
APPLICATION

Assembling parts using a form-in-place gasket

requires care but it’s easier then using precut gas-
kets.

Mopar

t Gasket Maker material should be applied

sparingly 1 mm (0.040 in.) diameter or less of sealant
to one gasket surface. Be certain the material sur-
rounds each mounting hole. Excess material can eas-
ily be wiped off. Components should be torqued in
place within 15 minutes. The use of a locating dowel
is recommended during assembly to prevent smear-
ing material off the location.

Mopar

t Engine RTV GEN II or ATF RTV gasket

material should be applied in a continuous bead
approximately 3 mm (0.120 in.) in diameter. All
mounting holes must be circled. For corner sealing, a
3.17 or 6.35 mm (1/8 or 1/4 in.) drop is placed in the
center of the gasket contact area. Uncured sealant
may be removed with a shop towel. Components
should be torqued in place while the sealant is still
wet to the touch (within 10 minutes). The usage of a
locating dowel is recommended during assembly to
prevent smearing material off the location.

Mopar

t Gasket Sealant in an aerosol can should be

applied using a thin, even coat sprayed completely
over both surfaces to be joined, and both sides of a
gasket. Then proceed with assembly. Material in a
can w/applicator can be brushed on evenly over the
sealing surfaces. Material in an aerosol can should be
used on engines with multi-layer steel gaskets.

ENGINE GASKET SURFACE PREPARATION

To ensure engine gasket sealing, proper surface

preparation must be performed, especially with the
use of aluminum engine components and multi-layer
steel cylinder head gaskets.

Never use the following to clean gasket surfaces:
• Metal scraper

• Abrasive pad or paper to clean cylinder block

and head

• High speed power tool with an abrasive pad or a

wire brush (Fig. 12)

NOTE: Multi-Layer

Steel

(MLS)

head

gaskets

require a scratch free sealing surface.

Only use the following for cleaning gasket surfaces:
• Solvent or a commercially available gasket

remover

• Plastic or wood scraper (Fig. 12)

• Drill motor with 3M Rolocy Bristle Disc (white

or yellow) (Fig. 12)

9 - 16

2.0L SOHC ENGINE

JX

SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)