OEM 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Van Camshaft

2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Van Camshaft Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to remove and install a camshaft on 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Van?

  A: First, detach the battery negative cable, then take out the radiator, intake manifold, distributor assembly, cylinder head covers, rocker arms, push rods and tappets, making sure to recognize each for installation later. Following that, open the cover for the timing chain, line up the timing marks and take the timing chain and sprockets out. Remove the tensioners from the place where they're bolted and also the tensioners themselves. With the help of a long bolt placed up front, carefully take out the camshaft so you do not spoil the cam bearings. Be sure to lubricate the lobes and journals of the camshaft before sliding it almost (51 mm short of the final position) into the cylinder block. Secure C-3509 to the distributor drive gear, holding the camshaft softly, so that a distributor lockplate bolt pushes it firmly against the gear. Insert the chain tensioner and secure it with bolts tightened to 24 Nm. Squeeze the tensioner shoe, slip in a suitable pin and keep it fastened before chain installation. The camshaft sprocket timing mark should face the crankshaft timing mark on the bench while you loop the timing chain around them. Make sure to line up the crankshaft and camshaft with the keyways before holding up the chain and sprockets and installing them on their shafts, checking the matches of the marked timing checks with a straightedge. Install the camshaft bolt and the cup washer, but don't tighten them yet. Test how much camshaft end play you have and if the limit is surpassed, set in a fresh timing chain tensioner. For every tappet, place it where it was and if the camshaft is changed, replace all of them. Next, fit the timing chain cover, intake manifold, distributor, cylinder head covers and radiator, add the engine coolant, connect the battery negative cable and turn on the engine to look for leaks.