Crankshaft and Camshaft

The 2.3L I-4 Overhead Cam (OHC) engine uses a twin spark plug cylinder head design with an electronic ignition (EI) system. The crankshaft is supported on five main bearings and the camshaft by four. Main, connecting rod, camshaft and auxiliary shaft bearings are all replaceable.

The camshaft is driven from the crankshaft by a cogged belt, which also operates the auxiliary shaft, and through this shaft, the oil pump. Tension on the cam drive belt is maintained by a locked idler pulley bearing on the outside of the belt.

The water pump is separately driven from the crankshaft by a 6-ribbed belt, which also drives the generator and power steering pump.

 WARNING: TO AVOID THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, DO NOT OPERATE THE ENGINE WITH THE HOOD OPEN UNTIL THE FAN HAS BEEN FIRST EXAMINED FOR POSSIBLE CRACKS AND SEPARATION.

Hydraulic valve lash adjusters are used in the valve train. These units are placed at the fulcrum point of the cam followers (or rocker arms). Their action is similar to the hydraulic tappets used in push rod engines and they are constructed and serviced in the same manner. The cylinder head has drilled oil passages to provide engine oil pressure to the lash adjusters.

Metric tools are required to service most of the 2.3L OHC I-4 engine.