Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 34

CRANKSHAFT

Fig. 100: Bedplate Pry Point Location
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. Remove the engine. See REMOVAL.

2. Remove the engine oil pump. See REMOVAL.

3. Remove the bedplate mounting bolts. Note the location of the two stud bolts for installation.

4. Remove the connecting rods from the crankshaft.

NOTE:

To remove the crankshaft from the engine, the engine must be removed from
the vehicle.

CAUTION: DO NOT pry on the oil pan gasket when removing the oil pan, The oil

pan gasket is mounted to the cylinder block in three locations and
will remain attached to block when removing oil pan. Gasket can not
be removed with oil pan.

CAUTION: The bedplate to cylinder block mating surface is a critical sealing

surface. Do not pry on or damage this surface in anyway.

NOTE:

The bedplate contains the lower main bearing halves. Use care when

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

5. Carefully pry on the pry points to loosen the bedplate then remove the bedplate. See Fig. 100.

6. Remove the crankshaft.

7. Remove the crankshaft tone wheel.

INSPECTION

CRANKSHAFT

If connecting rod bearing bores show damage, the cylinder heads must be removed to service the piston and rod
assemblies. If the bedplate or the cylinder block main bearing bores show damage the engine must be replaced.

1. If required, remove the main bearing halves from the cylinder block and bedplate.

2. Thoroughly clean the bedplate to cylinder block sealing surfaces and main bearing bores. Remove all oil

and sealant residue.

3. Inspect the bedplate main bearing bores for cracks, scoring or severe blueing. If either condition exists the

engine must be replaced.

4. Inspect the crankshaft thrust washers for scoring, scratches, wear or blueing. If either condition exist

replace the thrust washers.

5. Inspect the oil pan gasket/windage tray for splits, tears or cracks in the gasket sealing surfaces. Replace

gasket as necessary.

INSTALLATION

CRANKSHAFT

handling bedplate as not to drop or damage bearing halves. Installing
main bearing halves in the wrong position will cause severe damage to the
crankshaft.

NOTE:

The bedplate has pry points cast into it. Use these points only. The pry
points are shown below.

CAUTION: When removing the crankshaft, use care not to damage bearing

surfaces on the crankshaft.

NOTE:

Thoroughly inspect the connecting rod bearing bores and main bearing bores
for scoring, blueing or severe scratches. Further disassembly may be required.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

Fig. 101: Installing Thrust Washers
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. Lubricate upper main bearing halves with clean engine oil.

2. Install the crankshaft tone wheel. Tighten the mounting screws to 15 N.m (11 ft. lbs.)

3. Position crankshaft in cylinder block.

1 - CRANKSHAFT THRUST WASHER

CAUTION: Main bearings are select fit. Refer to Crankshaft Main Bearings in this

article 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.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

4. Install the thrust washers (1).

Fig. 102: Bedplate Sealant Locations
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - CYLINDER BLOCK
2 - SEALANT
3 - SEALANT

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.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro