REMOVAL
WARNING: THE COOLANT IN A RECENTLY OPERATED ENGINE IS HOT AND PRESSURIZED.
RELEASE THE PRESSURE BEFORE REMOVING THE DRAIN COCK, CAP AND DRAIN PLUGS.
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Drain the cooling system. DO NOT waste reusable coolant. If the solution is clean, drain it into a clean container for reuse.
(3) Remove the radiator or radiator and condenser, if equipped with A/C.
(4) Scribe a mark on the distributor housing in line with the lip of the rotor.
(5) Scribe a mark on the distributor housing near the clamp and continue the scribe mark on the cylinder block in line with the distributor mark.
(6) For ease of installation, note the position of the rotor and distributor housing in relation to adjacent engine components.
(7) Remove the distributor and ignition wires.
(8) Remove the engine cylinder head cover.
(9) Remove the rocker arms, bridges and pivots.
(10) Remove the push rods.
(11) Remove the hydraulic valve tappets from the engine cylinder head.
(12) Remove the vibration damper.
(13) Remove the timing case cover.
(14) Remove the timing chain and sprockets.
(15) Remove the camshaft (Fig. 69).
Fig. 69 Camshaft
1 - CAMSHAFT
2 - CRANKSHAFT
INSTALLATION
(1) Inspect the cam lobes for wear.
(2) Inspect the bearing journals for uneven wear pattern or finish.
(3) Inspect the bearings for wear.
(4) Inspect the distributor drive gear for wear.
(5) If the camshaft appears to have been rubbing against the timing case cover, examine the oil pressure relief holes in the rear cam journal. The oil pressure relief holes must be free of debris.
(6) Lubricate the camshaft with Mopar Engine Oil Supplement, or equivalent.
(7) Carefully install the camshaft to prevent damage to the camshaft bearings (Fig. 69).
(8) Turn the tensioner lever to the unlocked (down) position (Fig. 70).
(9) Pull the tensioner block toward the tensioner lever to compress the spring. Hold the block and turn the tensioner lever to the lock position (Fig. 70).
(10) Install the timing chain, crankshaft sprocket and camshaft sprocket with the timing marks aligned.
(11) Install the camshaft sprocket retaining bolt and washer. Tighten the bolt to 108 N·m (80 ft. lbs.) torque.
(12) Release the timing chain tensioner by moving the lever to the unlock position (Fig. 70).
(13) Install the timing case cover with a replacement oil seal (Fig. 71). Refer to Timing Case Cover Installation.
(14) Install the vibration damper.
Fig. 70 Loading Timing Chain Tensioner
1 - LOCK
2 - UNLOCK
3 - TENSIONER BLOCK
4 - TENSIONER LEVER
(15) Install the hydraulic valve tappets.
(16) Install the push rods.
(17) Install the rocker arms, bridges and pivots.
(18) Install the engine cylinder head cover.
Fig. 71 Timing Case Cover
1 - TIMING CASE COVER
2 - CAMSHAFT
3 - CRANKSHAFT
(19) Position the oil pump gear. Refer to Distributor in the Component Removal/Installation section of Group 8D, Ignition Systems.
(20) Install the distributor and ignition wires.
Refer to Distributor in the Component Removal/Installation section of Group 8D, Ignition Systems.
(21) Install the radiator or radiator and condenser, if equipped with A/C.
(22) Fill the cooling system.
(23) Connect negative cable to battery.