OEM 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Camshaft

2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Camshaft Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Remove and Install a Camshaft on 2001 Dodge Ram 1500?

  A: Before removing the camshaft, remove the negative cable from the battery and follow the correct procedure to remove the radiator. After that, follow the powertrain management instructions to disconnect the intake manifold and the distributor assembly. Take off the cylinder head covers, rocker arms, push rods and tappets, always being sure to know where each part should go back. After that, remove the timing cover, put everything in place so the timing marks line up and then remove the chain and sprockets. Take off the tensioner to block mounting bolts and the tensioner as well. First, stick a long bolt into the front of the camshaft and make sure you don't touch the cam bearings with the cam lobes. First, rub the camshaft lobes and bearing journals with oil before sliding the camshaft into the cylinder block, leaving about 51 mm (2 inches) to its correct position. Install Camshaft Gear Installer Tool C-3509 with the tongue at the rear side of the distributor drive gear, fastening it with the distributor lockplate bolt to make sure you do not push the camshaft too far and break the Welch plug in the rear of the engine block. Only remove this tool from the sprockets after the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets and timing chain have been fitted. Fit the timing chain tensioner by tightening its bolts to 24 Nm (210 in. lbs.), squash the tensioner's shoe and place a fitting pin within the shoe for later use with the chain. Position both sprockets atop the bench so timing marks on each line up perfectly and then add the timing chain around them. Move both crankshaft and camshaft to match with the keyway holes on their sprockets, remove both sprockets and chain while holding them tightly against each other and slide them together on the shafts, checking their alignment as you go. Insert the camshaft bolt and cup washer and tighten the bolt with 68 Nm (50 ft. lbs.) torque. Check the play at the end of the camshaft; if it is outside the allowable range, install a replacement timing chain tensioner. After removing each tappet, install it in the same place and be sure to replace them all if the camshaft was taken out. Additionally, insert the timing chain cover and then secure the intake manifold and distributor, afterwards, install the cylinder head covers and radiator. Pour in the coolant, link the battery negative wire and run the motor to see if there are any leaks.