Engine Mechanical 3.8l v6 - VIN [K] Chevrolet Camaro IV

ENGINE IDENTIFICATION

Note. For repair procedures not covered in this article, see ENGINE OVERHAUL PROCEDURES - GENERAL INFORMATION in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.

Engine can be identified by eighth character of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which is stamped on a metal pad, located near lower left corner of windshield. See ENGINE IDENTIFICATION CODES table. An "S" in tenth character of VIN indicates 1995 model year.

Engine can also be identified by a 3-character engine code (RPO code). See ENGINE IDENTIFICATION CODES table. This code may be stamped on engine. (Scheme 8)

ENGINE IDENTIFICATION CODES

Scheme 8

VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT

Hydraulic valve lifters are used. No valve adjustment is required.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Note. To trouble shoot engine mechanical components, see appropriate table in TROUBLE SHOOTING article in GENERAL INFORMATION.

GENERAL PRECAUTION

Note. For reassembly reference, label all electrical connectors, vacuum hoses and fuel lines before removal. Also place mating marks on engine hood and other major assemblies before removal.

FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE

Disconnect negative battery cable. Loosen fuel tank filler cap. Connect Fuel Pressure Gauge (J-34730-1) to fuel line fitting (wrap shop towel around fitting to absorb leakage). Place gauge bleed hose into container. Open bleed valve to release pressure.

Camaro & Firebird

Information not available.

Except Camaro & Firebird

1. Fill radiator to base of filler neck. Start engine. Place A/C-heater control in any position except MAX. Select highest temperature setting. Idle engine until lower radiator hose is hot.
2. Raise engine speed to 3000 RPM and then back to idle. Do this 5 times to expel any trapped air in system. Fill radiator as necessary. Install radiator cap. Allow engine to cool. Fill coolant recovery reservoir as necessary.

Note. Remove engine (without transaxle) through top.

Information not available.

1. Remove hood. Disconnect battery cables. Release fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k__fuel-pressure-release) Drain cooling system. Drain engine oil. Remove strut tower cross brace (if equipped). Remove windshield washer, radiator and heater supply hoses.
2. Disconnect electrical connectors as necessary. Remove serpentine belt. Remove power steering pump (leave hoses attached). Remove airflow duct and air cleaner. Disconnect cables and hoses from throttle body. Remove ignition coil ground strap.
3. Disconnect fuel lines and vacuum hoses. Disconnect upper engine strut. Raise and support vehicle. Disconnect exhaust pipe. Disconnect engine mount bolts. Attach a suitable lifting hook and chain to engine lifting brackets. Raise engine slightly to take weight off mounts.
4. Remove A/C compressor (leave hoses attached). Disconnect engine oil cooler lines (if equipped). Remove front engine mount and right front engine-to-transaxle bracket. Support transaxle. Remove bolts securing transaxle to engine.
5. Remove flexplate cover. Mark flexplate in relation to torque converter for reassembly reference. Remove torque converter bolts. Remove starter. Separate transaxle from engine. Lift engine out of vehicle.
6. To install, reverse removal procedure. Fill and bleed cooling system. See «COOLING SYSTEM BLEEDING»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k) . Fill and bleed power steering system.

Removal

1. Release fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k__fuel-pressure-release) . Disconnect negative battery cable. Drain cooling system. Remove air intake duct and air cleaner assembly.
2. Remove spark plug wires and fuel rail. Remove exhaust crossover heat shield and power steering pump bracket. Remove serpentine belt, alternator and alternator bracket. Remove cable bracket, heater pipes and by-pass hose. Remove intake manifold bolts, manifold, gaskets and seals.

Installation

1. Ensure sealing surfaces, bolt threads and bolt holes are clean. Install manifold and gaskets.
2. Tighten intake manifold bolts to specification in sequence. (Scheme 9)or (Scheme 10). Refer to «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k__torque-specifications). Lubricate fuel rail "O" rings with engine oil. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Fill and bleed cooling system. See «COOLING SYSTEM BLEEDING»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k).

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

1. Remove upper intake manifold. See «INTAKE MANIFOLD (UPPER)»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k) .
2. Remove spark plug wires and fuel rail. Remove exhaust crossover heat shield and power steering pump bracket. Remove serpentine belt, alternator and alternator bracket. Remove cable bracket, heater pipes and by-pass hose. Remove bolts, lower intake manifold, gaskets and seals.

Installation (Lower)

1. Ensure sealing surfaces and bolt threads and holes are clean. Apply GM Sealant (12345336) at end of seals on cylinder block. Install manifold and gaskets. Coat bolt threads with thread locking compound.
2. Tighten bolts to specification in sequence. (Scheme 11)or (Scheme 12).
3. Lubricate fuel rail "O" rings with engine oil. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Fill and bleed cooling system. See «COOLING SYSTEM BLEEDING»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k).

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

EXHAUST MANIFOLD

Note. Not all components need to be removed on all models. Remove as necessary for access and clearance.

Removal & Installation (Left)

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove air inlet duct. Disconnect spark plug wires. Remove crossover pipe from manifold. On some models, it may be necessary to remove cooling fan and/or radiator hose for clearance.
2. On all models, remove engine lift hook and manifold heat shield (if equipped). Remove oil dipstick and tube. Remove manifold bolts, manifold and gasket. To install, reverse removal procedure using NEW gasket.

Removal & Installation (Right)

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove air inlet duct. Remove throttle cable from throttle body. Remove brake booster hose. Remove serpentine belt and power steering pump bracket with hoses attached and position aside.
2. Drain cooling system. Disconnect spark plug wires and oxygen sensor. Disconnect crossover pipe and exhaust pipe from manifold.
3. Remove transaxle dipstick. Remove manifold heat shield (if equipped). Remove catalytic converter heat shield and pipe hanger. Remove exhaust pipe-to-manifold nuts. Remove engine lift bracket, manifold bolts, manifold and gasket. To install, reverse removal procedure. Use NEW gasket.

CYLINDER HEAD

Note. Not all components need to be removed on all models. Remove as necessary for access and clearance.

1. Remove upper and lower intake manifolds. See «INTAKE MANIFOLD (UPPER)»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k) and «INTAKE MANIFOLD (LOWER)»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k) . Remove exhaust manifold. «See EXHAUST MANIFOLD»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k__exhaust-manifold) .
2. On front cylinder head applications, disconnect spark plug wires. Remove engine lift bracket and rocker arm cover. Remove exhaust crossover pipe and cooling fan. Remove alternator, ignition coil and bracket. Remove A/C compressor bracket bolt.
3. On rear cylinder head, disconnect spark plug wires. Remove exhaust crossover pipe. Remove power steering pump with hoses attached and position aside. Remove heater pipe from front cover housing. Remove transaxle fill tube.
4. Remove rocker arms, push rods and guide plates. Refer to «ROCKER ARMS & PUSH RODS»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k__rocker-arms-push-rods) . Remove cylinder head bolts, cylinder head and gasket.

Inspection

Inspect cylinder head for warpage. See CYLINDER HEAD under OVERHAUL.

1. Ensure cylinder head bolt threads and cylinder block holes are clean. Ensure all gasket holes align with cylinder block. Apply GM Sealant (1052080) to cylinder head bolt threads.
2. Install cylinder head. Tighten bolts to specification in sequence. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k__torque-specifications). To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. (Scheme 13) Coat rocker arm bolts with GM Threadlock (12345493).

Scheme 13

Removal (Camaro & Firebird)

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Using suitable tool on belt tensioner pulley center bolt, rotate belt tensioner downward (clockwise) to relieve tension on serpentine belt. Remove serpentine belt and set aside.
2. Drain engine coolant into suitable container. Remove oil filler neck from valve cover. On A/T equipped vehicles, remove transmission dipstick from dipstick tube. On all models, remove MAP sensor from generator bracket.
3. Disconnect generator electrical connector. Remove battery positive cable nut from generator battery terminal. Remove charcoal canister solenoid from rear generator brace and set aside. Remove rear generator brace-to-generator bolt. Remove 2 generator-to-drive belt tensioner bolts. Remove generator.
4. Disconnect heater hoses at drive belt tensioner. (Scheme 14) Remove drive belt tensioner bolts/screws. Remove drive belt tensioner.

Scheme 14

To install, reverse removal procedure. (Scheme 14) Tighten fasteners to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. For correct routing of serpentine drive belt, see DRIVE BELT ROUTING article.

Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove serpentine belt. Raise and support vehicle. Remove right front wheel and inner splash shield. Remove crankshaft pulley/balancer bolt and crankshaft pulley/balancer. Pry seal from front cover.

Coat seal with oil. Using Seal Installer (J-35354) and crankshaft pulley/balancer bolt, install seal. Remove seal installer. Coat sealing surface of crankshaft pulley/balancer with oil. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Drain cooling system and crankcase oil. Remove serpentine belt. Remove water pump pulley. Disconnect heater pipes. Disconnect coolant hoses from front cover.
2. Raise and support vehicle. Remove right front wheel and inner splash shield. Remove crankshaft balancer bolt and crankshaft balancer. Disconnect electrical connections at oil pressure sender, camshaft sensor and crankshaft sensor.
3. Remove bolts securing front cover to oil pan. Remove power steering pump (leave hoses attached). Remove remaining bolts, front cover and gasket. (Scheme 15)

1. Replace the timing chain and sprockets if worn. Refer to «TIMING CHAIN & SPROCKETS»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k). Install NEW front cover gasket. Coat front cover bolts with thread sealant. To install, reverse removal procedure. Install crankshaft sensor and shield.
2. Mount crankshaft balancer onto Crankshaft Sensor Gauge (J-37089). (Scheme 16) If gauge contacts balancer at any point, replace crankshaft balancer. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Coat sealing surface of crankshaft balancer and seal with oil.

Scheme 15

Scheme 16

1. Remove front cover. See «FRONT COVER»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k). Inspect timing chain and sprockets for wear. Timing chain in-and-out movement should not exceed 1" (25.4 mm). Replace components as necessary.
2. Rotate crankshaft to align timing marks on camshaft and crankshaft sprockets. (Scheme 17) Remove timing chain damper assembly. Remove camshaft sprocket bolts. Remove camshaft sprocket and timing chain. Remove crankshaft sprocket.

Note. If balance shaft has been moved, ensure alignment is correct. See BALANCE SHAFT.

1. If engine has been rotated, rotate crankshaft to No. 1 cylinder at TDC. Temporarily install camshaft sprocket. Rotate camshaft sprocket so timing mark is downward.
2. Install timing chain on camshaft and crankshaft sprockets. Align timing marks. (Scheme 17) Install camshaft sprocket bolt. Install timing chain damper. Rotate engine 2 revolutions. Ensure timing marks are aligned. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

Scheme 17

ROCKER ARMS & PUSH RODS

Note. Not all components need to be removed on all models. Remove as necessary for access and clearance.

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove serpentine belt. To remove left rocker arm cover, remove alternator bracket and spark plug wires. Disconnect torque strut (if equipped) at radiator support. Remove torque strut bracket bolts at manifolds. Remove engine lift bracket.
2. To remove right rocker arm cover, loosen power steering pump bolts, and move pump forward with hoses still attached. Remove power steering pump brackets. Remove spark plug wires.
3. In any case, remove rocker arm cover. Remove rocker arm pivot bolts. Mark rocker arm component locations for reassembly reference. Remove rocker arms and components. (Scheme 18)

To install, reverse removal procedure. Coat rocker arm bolt threads with GM Threadlock (12345493). Apply thread sealant to rocker arm cover bolt threads.

Scheme 18

Remove upper and lower intake manifolds. See INTAKE MANIFOLD (UPPER) and INTAKE MANIFOLD (LOWER). Remove rocker arms and push rods. See ROCKER ARMS & PUSH RODS. Remove valve lifter guide and valve lifters. (Scheme 18) Mark component locations for reassembly reference.

Coat valve lifters with Engine Oil Supplement (1052365). Install components in original location. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove engine. See «ENGINE»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k) . Remove upper and lower intake manifolds. See «INTAKE MANIFOLD (UPPER)»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k) and «INTAKE MANIFOLD (LOWER)»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k) . Remove rocker arms and push rods. See «ROCKER ARMS & PUSH RODS»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k__rocker-arms-push-rods) .
2. Remove valve lifters. Remove timing chain and sprockets. See «TIMING CHAIN & SPROCKETS»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k) . Remove camshaft thrust plate and camshaft. Using Remover/Installer (J-33049), remove camshaft bearings (if necessary).

Measure camshaft journal diameter, lobe lift and oil clearance. Replace components if not within specification. See CAMSHAFT table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.

Install camshaft bearings (if removed). Ensure oil holes are aligned. Coat camshaft journals and lobes with GM Lubricant (1052365). Install camshaft. Install components in original locations. Apply Sealant (1052914) to camshaft rear plug. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Ensure timing marks are aligned.

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove engine. See «ENGINE»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k). Remove the flexplate/flywheel. Remove upper and lower intake manifolds. See «INTAKE MANIFOLD (UPPER)»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k) and «INTAKE MANIFOLD (LOWER)»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k). Remove the lifter guide. (Scheme 18)
2. Remove front cover. Refer to «FRONT COVER»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k). Remove balance shaft gear bolt. (Scheme 19) Remove camshaft sprocket and timing chain. See «TIMING CHAIN & SPROCKETS»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k). Remove balance shaft retainer and gear. (Scheme 19) Using Slide Hammer (J-6125-B), remove balance shaft from front of engine.
3. Remove balance shaft plug from rear of cylinder block. Note direction of rear bearing installation. Using Rear Bearing Remover (J-36995-5), remove bearing from block. (Scheme 20)

Note. Balance shaft and bearings are serviced as a complete assembly only. Use specified installation tools to prevent balance shaft damage.

Replace components if damaged or not within specification. See BALANCE SHAFT SPECIFICATIONS table.

1. Lubricate balance shaft bearings with engine oil. Install rear bearing with rolled edge facing inward, toward engine, and manufacturer's marking facing flywheel side of engine. Using Rear Bearing Installer (J-36995-1), install rear bearing. (Scheme 20)
2. Using Balance Shaft Installer (J-36996), install the balance shaft. Temporarily install balance shaft retainer and bolts. Install balance shaft gear. Apply GM Threadlock (12345493) to gear bolt, and install bolt. Tighten gear bolt to specification. Refer to «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k__torque-specifications).
3. Install balance shaft rear plug. Using dial indicator, measure balance shaft end play and radial clearance at front and rear of balance shaft. (Scheme 21) Replace components if measurements are not within specification. See «BALANCE SHAFT SPECIFICATIONS»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k) table.
4. Rotate camshaft so timing mark is downward when sprocket is installed. With camshaft sprocket and gear removed, rotate balance shaft so timing mark on gear is downward.
5. Rotate balance shaft to align timing marks on camshaft gear and balance shaft gear, and install camshaft gear. (Scheme 17) Rotate crankshaft so No. 1 piston is at TDC. Install timing chain and sprocket. Ensure timing marks are aligned. (Scheme 17)
6. Using a dial indicator, measure the gear lash at 4 places, every 1/4 turn. Gear lash should be within specification. Refer to «BALANCE SHAFT SPECIFICATIONS»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k) table.
7. If measurements are within specification, tighten balance shaft retainer bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k__torque-specifications). To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

BALANCE SHAFT SPECIFICATIONS

Scheme 19

Scheme 20

Scheme 21

Removal & Installation (VIN "K")

Manufacturer's procedure involves removing crankshaft rear oil seal housing. See CRANKSHAFT REAR OIL SEAL HOUSING (VIN "K") .

CRANKSHAFT REAR OIL SEAL HOUSING (VIN "K")

Remove transaxle. See CLUTCH article (Camaro and Firebird M/T models) or TRANSMISSION REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - A/T article (A/T models). Remove flexplate/ flywheel. Remove oil pan. See OIL PAN . Loosen seal housing bolts (bolts should stay with housing). Remove seal housing. Remove seal from housing.

1. DO NOT install seal into housing at this time. Clean gasket surfaces of housing and block. Install NEW gasket onto housing bolts to hold it in place. Install seal housing. Finger-tighten bolts so housing can be aligned (centered). Ensure gasket does not protrude beyond oil pan gasket surface.
2. Apply a thin film of engine oil to inner and outer surfaces of Seal Housing Aligner (J-41349). Install seal housing aligner onto crankshaft, twisting and turning it as necessary to aid installation.
3. Lay a straightedge across cylinder block oil pan flange and seal housing flange. Using a feeler gauge, ensure there is no more than .004" (.10 mm) step (high or low) on either side. Rotate housing if necessary. If specification cannot be met, replace housing.
4. Apply engine oil to NEW seal. Press seal into bore using Seal Installer (J-38196). To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

Removal & Installation

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Drain cooling system. Remove water pump drive belt. Disconnect necessary coolant hoses. Remove water pump pulley bolts and pulley (access hole in body side rail for long bolt).
2. Remove front engine mount. Remove water pump mounting bolts, water pump and gasket. To install, reverse removal procedure using a NEW gasket. Fill and bleed the cooling system. Refer to «COOLING SYSTEM BLEEDING»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k) .

OIL PAN

Note. Not all components need to be removed on all models. Remove as necessary for access and clearance.

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove engine torque strut. Raise and support vehicle. Drain crankcase, and remove oil filter. Disconnect front exhaust pipe from manifold. Remove right front wheel and splash shield.
2. Disconnect oil cooler pipes. Disconnect A/C compressor electrical connector. Remove A/C compressor and position aside. Disconnect engine mounts from frame. Disconnect oil level sensor electrical connector.
3. Remove flexplate access cover. Use transmission jack at transaxle to raise engine. Remove oil pan bolts and oil pan. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k__torque-specifications) .

1. Inspect cylinder head for warpage at deck and manifold surfaces. Resurface cylinder head if warpage exceeds specification. See «CYLINDER HEAD»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k) table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.
2. After resurfacing, use a depth micrometer to measure distance from deck surface to 3 cast pads. (Scheme 22) Replace cylinder head if dimension is less than.044" (1.12 mm). New cylinder head dimension should be.054-.066" (1.37-1.68 mm).

Valve Seats

No replacement procedure is given by manufacturer.

Valve Guides

If valve stem oil clearance is not within specification, ream valve guides for an oversize valve stem. See CYLINDER HEAD table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.

Valve Seat Correction Angles

After grinding, if seat width is too wide, use 20-degree or 70-degree stone to reduce seat width. A 20-degree stone will lower the seat. A 70-degree stone will raise the seat.

Valve Spring Installed Height

1. Install valve, valve retainer and keepers. Pull upward on valve, and measure height from top of spring seat to spring side of valve retainer. (Scheme 23)
2. Ensure spring installed height is within specification. See «VALVES & VALVE SPRINGS»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k) table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. If measurement exceeds specification, add shims under the valve spring to obtain correct height.

Valve Stem Height

With valve installed in cylinder head (closed position), use steel ruler to measure distance from spring seat to the valve tip. Distance should be 1.935-1.975" (49.15-50.17 mm).

Valve Stem Oil Seals

Oversize valve stem oil seals are used for valves with oversize stems. Intake and exhaust valve stem oil seals are different. Install oil seal according to part number and package instructions.

Scheme 22

Scheme 23

Cylinder Block

Using feeler gauge and straightedge, inspect deck surface for warpage. Replace cylinder block if more than .010" (.25 mm) material is removed from deck surface.

Cylinder Block Flange Runout

1. With engine removed and crankshaft installed, measure cylinder block flange runout. Mount dial indicator gauge plate flat against crankshaft flange. Place dial indicator stem on lower left transmission bolt boss (flat area around bolt hole). Adjust dial indicator to zero.
2. Observe and record readings obtained on all bolt hole bosses. Measurements should not vary more than .010" (.25 mm). If readings exceed specification, check crankshaft flange runout. See the CRANKSHAFT FLANGE RUNOUT heading below.

Piston Ring Installation

Install piston rings with identification mark toward top of piston, and ring gaps properly spaced. (Scheme 24)

Piston & Rod Assembly

Piston can be installed on connecting rod in either direction. Install piston and connecting rod onto crankshaft, with arrow on top of piston and/or ridge(s) on bottom of pin boss facing toward front of engine.

Fitting Pistons

Piston diameter should be measured 1.73" (44 mm) from top of piston.

Note. DO NOT machine oversize pistons, or engine balance will be affected.

Crankshaft & Main Bearings

1. Install main bearings and main caps. Tighten main cap bolts evenly. Loosen main cap bolts one turn. Retighten bolts to 26 ft. lbs. (35 N.m).
2. Using Torque Angle Meter (J-36660), tighten bolts an additional 50 degrees. Using wooden mallet, carefully tap crankshaft forward and then backward to seat thrust bearing.

Note. DO NOT shim, scrape or file bearing inserts. DO NOT touch bearing surface with fingers.

Note. Misalignment of main bearing cap toward transaxle can cause interference with the flywheel-to-converter bolt.

Rod Bearings

1. Ensure bearing cap bolt holes and mating surfaces are clean and dry. Use connecting rod stud protector on rod cap bolts. Install inserts in connecting rod and cap. Lubricate bearings and crank pin.
2. Install bearing cap. Tighten rod bearing cap bolts to 20 ft. lbs. (27 N.m). Tighten bolts an additional 50 degrees using Torque Angle Meter (J-36660).

Crankshaft Flange Runout

1. With engine removed and crankshaft installed, or with crankshaft mounted on "V" blocks, measure crankshaft flange runout. Mount dial indicator and place dial indicator stem on crankshaft flange. Adjust dial indicator to zero.
2. Mark reference point on crankshaft flange. Ensure crankshaft is thrust forward so end float will not affect readings. Turn crankshaft 360 degrees.
3. Observe and record readings. Reading should not vary more than .002" (.05 mm). Replace crankshaft if runout exceeds specification.

Scheme 24

ENGINE OILING SYSTEM

The crankshaft driven, gear-type oil pump provides pressurized lubrication to the main gallery. (Scheme 25) Oil pump and pressure regulator valve are located in front cover.

Crankcase Capacity

Engine oil capacity is approximately 4 qts. (3.7L) without filter change. After changing filter, recheck oil level and add as necessary.

Normal Oil Pressure

With engine at normal operating temperature, oil pressure (with 5W-30 or 10W-30 engine oil) should be 60 psi (4.2 kg/cm 2 ) at 1850 RPM.

Scheme 25

Removal & Disassembly

Remove front cover. See FRONT COVER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove oil filter adapter, gasket, pressure regulator and valve from front cover. Remove pump cover bolts, cover and gears from front cover.

1. Inspect components for damage. Measure gear end clearance. Measure housing gear pocket depth and diameter. Measure tip clearance between gears. Measure outer gear-to-housing clearance.
2. Check clearance between pressure regulator valve and bore. Replace components or pump assembly if measurements are not within specification. See «OIL PUMP SPECIFICATIONS»(/chevrolet/camaro/iv-1992-1998/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-38l-v6-vin-k) table.

Reassembly & Installation

To reassemble, reverse disassembly procedure. Lubricate gears, and fill cavities with petroleum jelly. Install pump cover. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

OIL PUMP SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

CRANKSHAFT, MAIN & CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS

CRANKSHAFT, MAIN & CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS

CONNECTING RODS

CONNECTING RODS

PISTONS, PINS & RINGS

PISTONS, PINS & RINGS

CYLINDER BLOCK

VALVES & VALVE SPRINGS

VALVES & VALVE SPRINGS

CYLINDER HEAD

CAMSHAFT

CAMSHAFT

See also:
• ENGINE OVERHAUL PROCEDURES - GENERAL INFORMATION
• COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES
• DRIVE BELT ROUTING
• CLUTCH
• ENGINE IDENTIFICATION CODES
• FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
• See EXHAUST MANIFOLD
• ROCKER ARMS & PUSH RODS
• CRANKSHAFT REAR OIL SEAL HOUSING (VIN "K")
• OIL PAN