Pinpoint Test
- CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT END PLAY
- Check the crankshaft end play. Refer to Crankshaft End Play in this section.
- Is the crankshaft end play within specification?
- Yes: GO to 2 on page 2.
- No: REPAIR as necessary. REFER to ENGINE - 3.5L TI-VCT .
- VERIFY THE CAMSHAFT BEARING CAPS ARE NOT DAMAGED AND TIGHT
- Check that the camshaft bearing caps are not damaged and the bolts are properly tightened. Refer to the Specification chart in the appropriate engine section.
- Are the camshaft bearing caps loose or damaged?
- Yes: REPAIR as necessary. REFER to CAMSHAFT .
- No: GO to 3 on page 2.
- CHECK CAMSHAFT JOURNAL-TO-BEARING CLEARANCE
- Check the camshaft journal-to-bearing clearance. Refer to the Specification chart in the appropriate engine section.
- Is camshaft journal-to-bearing clearance within specification?
- Yes: GO to 4 on page 2.
- No: REPAIR as necessary. REFER to CAMSHAFT .
- CHECK FOR RESTRICTED OIL FLOW
- Verify the oil supply and return passages are not plugged and clean of debris. Refer to the oil flow chart in the appropriate engine section.
- Is oil flow restricted?
- Yes: REPAIR as necessary. REFER to ENGINE - 3.5L TI-VCT .
- No: GO to 5 on page 2.
- CHECK THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS FOR DAMAGE AND VERIFY THE BOLTS ARE TIGHT
- Check that the timing chain tensioners are not damaged or the bolts are loose. Refer to the Specification chart in the appropriate engine section.
- Are the timing chain tensioners damaged or bolts loose?
- Yes: REPAIR as necessary. REFER to TIMING DRIVE COMPONENTS .
- No: GO to 6 on page 2.
- CHECK THE OIL PUMP PICKUP TUBE AND SCREEN FOR DAMAGE
- Check that the oil pump pickup tube and screen is not plugged, cracked or that the bolts are loose. Refer to the Specification chart in the appropriate engine section.
- Is the oil pump screen and pickup tube damaged or loose?
- Yes: REPAIR as necessary. REFER to OIL PUMP SCREEN AND PICKUP TUBE
- No: GO to 7 on page 3.
- CHECK THE OIL PUMP FOR DAMAGE
- Verify the oil pump is not damaged.
- Is oil pump damaged?
- Yes: REPAIR as necessary. REFER to OIL PUMP .
- No: GO to 8 on page 3.
- CHECK CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARING JOURNAL-TO-BEARING CLEARANCE
- Check the crankshaft main bearing journal-to-bearing clearance. Refer to the Specification chart in the appropriate engine section.
- Is crankshaft main bearing journal-to-bearing clearance within specification?
- Yes: GO to 9 on page 3.
- No: REPAIR as necessary. REFER to ENGINE - 3.5L TI-VCT .
- CHECK CONNECTING ROD BEARING JOURNAL-TO-BEARING CLEARANCE
- Check the connecting rod bearing journal-to-bearing clearance. Refer to the Specification chart in the appropriate engine section.
- Is connecting rod bearing journal-to-bearing clearance within specification?
- Yes: The concern may have been caused by debris or an incorrect assembly. REPEAT the oil pressure test. REFER to Oil Pressure Test .
- No: REPAIR as necessary. REFER to ENGINE - 3.5L TI-VCT .