OEM 2004 Chrysler 300M Crankshaft

2004 Chrysler 300M Crankshaft Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Remove and Install a Crankshaft on 2004 Chrysler 300M?

  A: Remove the engine from the vehicle and afterward, remove both the oil pan and the oil pickup tube to release the crankshaft. After that, take out the crankshaft vibration damper, the idler pulley for the accessory drive belt and the front lower, main and left side timing belt covers. After that, take out the timing belt tensioner and the crankshaft sprocket. Remove the dowel pin from the crankshaft, take out the oil pump assembly and pull the crankshaft rear oil seal retainer loose. Take out the connecting rod bearing caps and mark them for where each one belongs during reassembly. Do this for the main bearing caps, too. Take out the crankshaft from the cylinder block. Once the cylinder is disassembled, look at the journals to ensure the tapered portion does not exceed 0.015 mm, that no out-of-round is greater than this amount and that grinding is below the standard size by no more than 0.305 mm. Avoid polishing the rear surface of the Number 2 main bearing and be sure to finish any regrind with the direction of normal engine rotation. Select the main bearings first, install them and place the crankshaft into the cylinder block next. Move the crankshaft as far forward as it will go, apply oil, place the front thrust washer and then move it backward to position the rear thrust washer. Rub clean engine oil inside the lower main bearings and also coat the main bearing cap bolts, as they will be affected by the heat of the engine. Put on the primary caps by hand, following the order described in the manual and then tighten the bolts inside the main bearing cap to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) and a further 1/4 turn. Calculate crankshaft end play, fit the connecting rods and measure the side clearance. Set the windage tray into place, smear the bolts with grease and tighten them to 27 Nm which is about 20 ft. pounds, plus and additional 1/4 turn. Tighten the main cap tie bolts to 28 Nm (250 in. lbs.), then place the rear crankshaft oil seal retainer and oil seal and finally attach the oil pump assembly. With the dowel pin back in place, add the crankshaft sprocket, both camshaft sprockets and timing belt; then position the timing belt covers. Replace the crankshaft vibration damper and the accessory drive belt idler pulley, attach the oil pickup tube with a bolt tightened to 28 Nm (250 in. lbs.), set the bottom oil pan in place and assemble the engine into the vehicle.