Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 34

 

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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

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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