OEM 2001 Dodge Stratus Crankshaft

2001 Dodge Stratus Crankshaft Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Remove and Install a Crankshaft on 2001 Dodge Stratus?

  A: It's necessary to remove the engine from the vehicle and stand it on an engine stand to take out the crankshaft. After emptying the engine oil, remove the oil filter and then get rid of the oil pan and oil pick-up tube. After that, remove the brackets for the accessory drive belt, upper intake manifold and cylinder head covers from the idler pulley. Get rid of the timing chain cover, main timing chain, crankshaft sprocket, oil pump and the crankshaft rear oil seal retainer. First, remove the structural windage tray and then use the crankshaft to access and remove the connecting rod cap. Make fine marks on the bearing cap locations with a permanent marker or scribe to prevent damaging the connecting rods. After that, securely take off the connecting rod bearing caps and the main bearing cap bolts, then take out the main bearing caps. Be careful to avoid scraping the crankshaft bearing surfaces when you take the crankshaft from the cylinder block. When putting on the crankshaft sprocket, use Special Tools 6780-1 and 8179, installing it until it sits flat against the crankshaft step flange and never turn the crankshaft. The depth of the sprocket should be measured at 39.05 + 0.50 mm (1.5374 + 0.020 inch) from the edge of the sprocket to the end of the crankshaft. Use lineman's oil to coat the spindle and upper main bearing halves and safely install the crankshaft, so that the thrust side of the washer and its oil groove are on the bearing thrust surface. Crank the engine forward until the front thrust washer is in place and then, push the crankshaft in reverse to install the rear thrust washer. Rub the engine oil into the lower main bearings and put the main bearings and caps in place, applying grease to the main bearing cap bolts before installation. Set the main cap screws to 20 Nm + 1/4 Turn (15 ft. lbs. + 1/4 Turn), check the end wobble of the crankshaft and set the connecting rods in place while measuring their side clearance. Place the windage tray in position, cover the bolts with grease and tighten to 27 Nm + 1/4 Turn (20 ft. lbs. + 1/4 Turn). First, torque the main cap tie bolts to 28 Nm (250 in. lbs.), then place the rear crankshaft oil seal retainer, the sealing oil seal, the oil pump, the crankshaft sprocket, the timing chain, the timing chain cover, all cylinder head covers, the idler pulley bracket for the accessory drive belt, the oil pickup tube and its O-ring, the oil pan, the oil filter and the dipstick tube inside the motor. After that, set up and fit the engine assembly back into place, add the correct amount of oil to the engine crankcase and verify the level is correct.