OEM 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Van Camshaft

2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Van Camshaft Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to remove and install camshaft bearings on 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Van?

  A: Before removing the camshaft bearings, you must disassemble the engine and drive the plug from the rear cam bearing core hole. Apply an adapter and washer from Camshaft Bearing Remover/Installer Tool C-3132-A to the back of each bearing shell and properly drive them out. Before removing the camshaft, disconnect the negative side of the battery, detach the radiator, intake manifold, distributor assembly, the cylinder head covers, all rockers, push rods and tappets, marking each part for reinstallation. Following this, get rid of the timing cover, bring the timing marks to the same place and remove the timing chain and associated sprockets. Take out the three tensioner bolts that block the mounting and remove the tensioner. Place a long bolt in the front part of the camshaft to help you remove it, watching out for the cam bearings. For new camshaft bearings, use the Camshaft Bearing Remover/Installer Tool C-3132-A to seat the new bearing shell over the proper adapter and then use the tool to slowly push it into place, fixing the rear bearing in place with the horseshoe lock as needed. See that all bearings are lined up so the oil holes fit the main bearing's oil passages and use a new core hole plug on the camshaft to prevent leaks from that end. Before you install the camshaft, grease its lobes and bearing locations and slide it until it is 51 mm (2 inches) from the final position in the block. Put the C-3609 Camshaft Holding Tool against the back of the distributor drive gear, attach it using a distributor lockplate bolt and this will stop the camshaft from going in too far. Fit the timing chain tensioner, secure the bolts to 24 Nm (210 in. lbs.), tighten the tensioner shoe and hold it in place with a suitable pin while you put in the chain. Before putting the timing chain around both sprockets, make sure their timing marks match up and both are placed on the bench. Line both crankshaft and camshaft up with the keyway locations, raise the sprockets and chain and guide both sprockets evenly onto their shafts, checking that timing marks are aligned using a straightedge. Fasten the camshaft bolt and cup washer with 68 Nm (50 ft. lbs.) of torque. Set the camshaft end play within limits; otherwise, replace the timing chain tensioner. Put the tappets back in the spots they were removed from, either all of them or only as necessary and instal hydraulic tappets if you replace the camshaft. Reinstall the timing chain cover, intake manifold, distributor, cylinder head covers and radiator, top up the cooling system, reattach the negative battery cable and initiate the engine to look out for leaks.