OEM 2003 Dodge Durango Camshaft

2003 Dodge Durango Camshaft Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Remove the Left Camshaft on 2003 Dodge Durango?

  A: Prior to removing the left camshaft, you should confirm that the timing chain is removed without moving the camshafts or crankshaft on their own, to avoid major valve or piston damage. Special Tool 8350 shields the hydraulic tensioner ratchet from overextension while removing the cam sprocket, timing chains or camshaft, so the timing chain cover does not need to be removed and the tensioner reset. Open the cover of the cylinder head, then turn the engine to TDC for cylinder #1 so the 1 o'clock mark of the 8-cylinder camshaft sprocket is clear. Before starting installation, place a mark on one link of the secondary timing chain on opposite sides of the V8 mark on the camshaft sprocket. Don't pry the camshaft target wheel because it could lead to damage. Don't move the camshaft retaining bolt completely; leave it loose so that the tensioners are still in place. Put Special Tool 8350 between the timing chain strands and lightly tap it to get the chain seated against the tensioner arm and guide. Hold the camshaft in place only by gripping it on the tube, then remove the bolts and sprocket from it. Turn the camshaft to its neutral position by 15° counterclockwise. Once here, slowly loosen the cam retaining bolts until the caps are free and cushioned, to keep them from getting damaged by any hitting or stamping. Mistmark the rocker arms just before you take out the camshaft, bearing caps and camshaft, respectively. Hold the left side camshaft flat with its sprocket dowel pointing near 1 o'clock, lubricate the journals with clean engine oil and then install the bearing caps. Put the camshaft into the cylinder head and then use your fingers to tighten the holding caps. After that, begin tightening the caps in the middle, increasing by 1/2 turn each time and torquing them to 11 Nm (100 in. lbs.). Place the camshaft drive gear over the V8 mark on the crankcase between the two chain links you marked earlier and rotate the camshaft so the sprocket dowel fits into the sprocket with the slot. If too much oil remains on the camshaft sprocket bolt, clean it and install the retaining bolt only hand-tight for now. After that, take out Special Tool 8350 and install Special Tool 6958 with adapter pins 8346 to tighten the camshaft sprocket retaining bolt to 122 Nm (90 ft. lbs.), then set in place the cylinder head cover.