OEM Dodge Ram 2500 Van Camshaft

Dodge Ram 2500 Van Camshaft Parts and Q&A

• Camshaft
  53021101
  Q: How to remove and install a camshaft on Dodge Ram 2500 Van?

  A:

  Before removing the camshaft, take off the radiator, A/C Condenser (if available), engine cover, intake manifold and cylinder head covers in that order. After that, separate the timing case and timing chain from the engine, take out the rockers, pushers and tappets and mark them so you can put them back in the right places later. Remove the distributor, lift out both the oil pump and distributor drive shaft and then take off the camshaft thrust plate, paying attention to the oil tab. Add a long bolt into the front of the camshaft to ease its removal and be careful not to spoil the cam bearings with the cam lobes while doing so. Lubricate the camshaft lobes, bearing journals and insert it into the engine so that it stops 51 mm (2 inches) short of its final location. Use the Camshaft Gear Installer Tool C-3509 and insert its tongue through the back of the distributor drive gear. Secure it to the distributor with the lockplate bolt to stop the camshaft from going in too far. Set the thrust plate on the camshaft and press the oil tab chain onto it, then adjust so the tang fits inside the lower right hole on the thrust plate and tighten the plate bolts to 24 Nm (210 in. lbs.) torque. On the bench, join the timing chain between the camshaft and crankshafts which have their sprockets aligned on the fitting imaginary center line through the bores. Hold both the sprockets and chain up, slid them evenly over the shafts and place a straightedge to see if the timing marks are in alignment. Snugly secure the camshaft bolt and cup washer, spinning the bolt to 68 Nm (50 ft. lbs.); after that, check the camshaft end play to confirm it is within range; should it fail, incorporate a new thrust plate. Return each tappet to the exact location it came from and, if the camshaft is changed, all tappets must be changed too. After that, put in the distributor and its drive shaft, then the push rods, tappets, rocker arms, timing case cover, cylinder head covers, intake manifold and engine cover, along with the A/C Condenser if it's fitted. In the end, put back the radiator, replenish the cooling system and start the vehicle to search for any leaks.