OEM 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan Camshaft

2000 Dodge Grand Caravan Camshaft Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Remove and Install a Camshaft in an Engine on 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan?

  A: Before removing the camshaft, take the engine out, then remove the intake manifold, the cylinder head covers, the cylinder heads, the timing chain case cover and the timing chain. Second, take out the hydraulic tappets and keep track of them so they can be put back again in the correct spots. After that, remove the camshaft thrust plate and insert a long bolt into the front end of the camshaft to simplify its removal, making sure you don't damage the cam bearings with the cam lobes. Before installation, grease the camshaft's lobes and the inside of the engine's bearing journals, then insert it so that it is less than 2 inches shy of its final place within the block. Secure the camshaft thrust plate to the engine block with the two supplied screws, as it should be at a torque of 12 Nm (105 in. lbs.). Move the crankshaft so the arrow on the crankshaft is pointed straight up and use a clean oil to lubricate all the timing chain and sprockets just before installation. When you hold the camshaft sprocket and chain, place the chain around the sprocket so the color of its link lines up with the dot and the timing arrow points to 6 o'clock. Later, line the colored link up with the dot on the crankshaft sprocket and fit the camshaft sprocket. After using the straight edge to verify the timing marks, insert the camshaft sprocket bolt, tighten it 54 Nm or 40 ft. lbs. and put on the washer. Move the crankshaft by two revolutions and check the timing marks; if they are not lined up, pull off the cam sprocket and try again. Measuring the end play of the camshaft will reveal if a new thrust plate is necessary. Always replace the tappets when putting in a new camshaft and each reused tappet must go back into the place it was before. When these parts are installed, place the timing chain, timing chain cover, cylinder heads, cylinder head covers and intake manifold in position and then reassemble the engine on the block.