The 3.2L (195.2 cu. in.) engine is a SOHC 18-Valve
90° V-6. The engine is a modular design. The engine
uses a 90-degree V-angle rotating assembly which
provides space for long intake manifold runners which
provide high torque across a broad range of engine
speeds for driving ease. The engine uses a split-pin
crankshaft to provide even firing, and a balance shaft
to compensate for the rocking motion which occurs
with a 90-degree V-6.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - INTRODUCTION

Engine diagnosis is helpful in determining the causes of malfunctions not detected and remedied by routine main-
tenance.

These malfunctions may be classified as either mechanical (e.g., a strange noise), or performance (e.g., engine
idles rough and stalls).

Additional tests and diagnostic procedures may be necessary for specific engine malfunctions that cannot be iso-
lated with the Service Diagnosis charts. Information concerning additional tests and diagnosis is provided within the
following:

•

Cylinder Combustion Pressure Leakage Test

•

Cylinder Compression Pressure Test

•

Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Diagnosis

•

Engine Oil Leak Inspection

•

Intake Manifold Leakage Diagnosis

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ENGINE - 3.2L SERVICE INFORMATION

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - MECHANICAL

CONDITION

POSSIBLE CAUSES

CORRECTION

NOISY VALVES

1. High or low oil level in
crankcase.

1. Check and correct engine oil
level.

2. Thin or diluted oil.

2. Change oil to correct viscosity.

3. Thick oil

3. (a.) Change oil and filter.

(b.) Run engine to operating
temperature.

(c.) Change oil and filter again.

4. Low oil pressure.

4. Check and correct engine oil
level.

5. Dirt in tappets/lash adjusters.

5. Replace rocker arm/adjuster
assembly.

6. Worn rocker arms.

6. Inspect oil supply to rocker arms.

7. Worn tappets/lash adjusters.

7. Install new rocker arm/adjuster
assembly.

8. Worn valve guides.

8. Ream guides and install new
valves with oversize stems.

9. Excessive runout of valve seats
on valve faces.

9. Grind valve seats and valves.

10. Missing adjuster pivot.

10. Replace rocker arm/adjuster
assembly.

CONNECTING ROD NOISE

1. Insufficient oil supply.

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Low oil pressure.

2. Check engine oil level. Inspect oil
pump.

3. Thin or diluted oil.

3. Change oil to correct viscosity.

4. Thick oil

3. (a.) Change oil and filter.

(b.) Run engine to operating
temperature.

(c.) Change oil and filter again.

5. Excessive bearing clearance.

5. Measure bearings for correct
clearance. Repair as necessary.

6. Connecting rod journal
out-of-round.

6. Replace crankshaft or grind
surface.

7. Misaligned connecting rods.

7. Replace bent connecting rods.

ENGINE - 3.2L SERVICE INFORMATION

9 - 711

CONDITION

POSSIBLE CAUSES

CORRECTION

MAIN BEARING NOISE

1. Insufficient oil supply.

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Low oil pressure.

2. Check engine oil level. Inspect oil
pump relief valve and spring.

3. Thin or diluted oil.

3. Change oil to correct viscosity.

4. Thick oil

4. (a.) Change oil and filter.

(b.) Run engine to operating
temperature.

(c.) Change oil and filter again.

5. Excessive bearing clearance.

5. Measure bearings for correct
clearance. Repair as necessary.

6. Excessive end play.

6. Check thrust bearing for wear on
flanges.

7. Crankshaft journal out-of-round
or worn.

7. Replace crankshaft or grind
journals.

8. Loose flywheel or torque
converter.

8. Tighten to correct torque.

OIL PRESSURE DROP

1. Low oil level.

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Faulty oil pressure sending unit.

2. Install new sending unit.

3. Low oil pressure.

3. Check sending unit and main
bearing oil clearance.

4. Clogged oil filter.

4. Install new oil filter.

5. Worn parts in oil pump.

5. Replace oil pump.

6. Thin or diluted oil.

6. Change oil to correct viscosity.

7. Oil pump relief valve stuck.

7. Replace the oil pump.

8. Oil pump suction tube loose.

8. Remove oil pan and install new
tube or clean, if necessary.

9. Oil pump warped or cracked.

9. Install new oil pump.

10. Excessive bearing clearance.

10. Measure bearings for correct
clearance.

OIL LEAKS

1. Misaligned or deteriorated
gaskets.

1. Replace gasket(s).

2. Loose fastener, broken or porous
metal part.

2. Tighten, repair or replace the
part.

3. Misaligned or deteriorated cup or
threaded plug.

3. Replace as necessary.

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ENGINE - 3.2L SERVICE INFORMATION

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