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HOMESERVICE MANUALSDODGE AND RAM1996CARAVAN L4-2.4L DOHCREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE, COOLING AND EXHAUSTENGINEENGINE LUBRICATIONDESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
1996 Dodge and Ram Caravan L4-2.4L DOHC
Engine Lubrication: Description and Operation
1996 Dodge and Ram Caravan L4-2.4L DOHCSECTION Description and Operation
GENERAL INFORMATION
System is full flow filtration, pressure feed type. The oil pump is mounted in the front engine cover and driven by the crankshaft. Pressurized oil is then routed through the main oil gallery, running the length of the cylinder block, supplying main and rod bearings with further routing. Pistons are lubricated from rod bearing throw off and lubricating slots on the connecting rod assemblies. Camshaft and valve mechanisms are lubricated from a full length cylinder head oil gallery supplied from the crankcase main oil gallery.
OIL PAN
A formed steel oil pan provides lower engine protection as well as serving as the engine oil reservoir. Pan flanges to block are sealed with a gasket. The oil pickup tube has a strainer and cover.
PRESSURE LUBRICATION
Oil drawn up through the pickup tube is pressurized by the pump and routed through the full flow filter to the main oil gallery running the length of the cylinder block. Oil pickup, pump and check valve provide oil flow to the main oil gallery.
MAIN/ROD BEARINGS
A diagonal hole in each bulkhead feeds oil to each main bearing. Drilled passages within the crankshaft route oil from main bearing journals to connecting rod journals.
CAMSHAFT/HYDRAULIC LASH ADJUSTERS
A vertical hole at the number five bulkhead routes pressurized oil through a restrictor up past a cylinder head bolt to an oil gallery running the length of the cylinder head. The camshaft journals are partially slotted to allow a predetermined amount of pressurized oil to pass into the bearing cap cavities with small holes directed to spray lubricate the camshaft lobes.
BALANCE SHAFTS
Balance shaft lubrication is provided through an oil passage from the number 1 main bearing cap through the balance shaft carrier support leg. This passage directly supplies oil to the front bearings and internal machined passages in the shafts that routes oil from front to rear shaft bearing journals
SPLASH LUBRICATION
Oil returning to the pan from pressurized components supplies lubrication to the valve stems. Cylinder bores and wrist pins are splash lubricated from directed slots on the connecting rod thrust collars.
System is full flow filtration, pressure feed type. The oil pump is mounted in the front engine cover and driven by the crankshaft. Pressurized oil is then routed through the main oil gallery, running the length of the cylinder block, supplying main and rod bearings with further routing. Pistons are lubricated from rod bearing throw off and lubricating slots on the connecting rod assemblies. Camshaft and valve mechanisms are lubricated from a full length cylinder head oil gallery supplied from the crankcase main oil gallery.
OIL PAN
A formed steel oil pan provides lower engine protection as well as serving as the engine oil reservoir. Pan flanges to block are sealed with a gasket. The oil pickup tube has a strainer and cover.
PRESSURE LUBRICATION
Oil drawn up through the pickup tube is pressurized by the pump and routed through the full flow filter to the main oil gallery running the length of the cylinder block. Oil pickup, pump and check valve provide oil flow to the main oil gallery.
MAIN/ROD BEARINGS
A diagonal hole in each bulkhead feeds oil to each main bearing. Drilled passages within the crankshaft route oil from main bearing journals to connecting rod journals.
CAMSHAFT/HYDRAULIC LASH ADJUSTERS
A vertical hole at the number five bulkhead routes pressurized oil through a restrictor up past a cylinder head bolt to an oil gallery running the length of the cylinder head. The camshaft journals are partially slotted to allow a predetermined amount of pressurized oil to pass into the bearing cap cavities with small holes directed to spray lubricate the camshaft lobes.
BALANCE SHAFTS
Balance shaft lubrication is provided through an oil passage from the number 1 main bearing cap through the balance shaft carrier support leg. This passage directly supplies oil to the front bearings and internal machined passages in the shafts that routes oil from front to rear shaft bearing journals
SPLASH LUBRICATION
Oil returning to the pan from pressurized components supplies lubrication to the valve stems. Cylinder bores and wrist pins are splash lubricated from directed slots on the connecting rod thrust collars.
RENDER: 1.0x
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.