Camshaft Replacement: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: After cylinder head, block or lifter replacement, it will be necessary to allow the engine to idle for three to five minutes. If lifters are noisy, warm the engine up at a low RPM (less than 2000). After coolant temperature has reached approximately 85°C (185°F), cycle the engine RPM from idle to 3,000 RPM for approximately 10 minutes, or drive the vehicle 8 km (5 mi) to purge the air. If air cannot be purged, the faulty lifters will have to be replaced.

NOTE: Lifters that are pumped up may cause PCM misfire codes to set. Continue to operate engine until lifters bleed down. Use a Scan tool to clear codes and malfunction history.

NOTE: If valve stem seal is removed after it has been installed, it must be discarded. The valve stem lock groove will cut the seal's lip during removal. Use extreme care not to damage valve stems when installing retainers.

Fig 1: Cleaning Valve Stems

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Ensure install rocker arms are in their proper location (followers).

Fig 2: Installing Rocker Arms
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Lubricate camshaft bearing journals with clean engine oil and install both camshafts.
When installing the camshafts, align to position camshaft slot in line with notch on sprocket(s).

Fig 3: Align To Position Camshaft Slot In Line With Notch On Sprocket(s)
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Install all bearing caps except front caps and rear intake camshaft cap (if serviced). Tighten down bearing caps uniformly.
Torque:

Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts: 10 N.m (89 in-lbs)

Fig 4: Installing Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts
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IMPORTANT: Ensure that alignment slots are correctly aligned with notches in camshaft sprocket(s) before final torque is applied.

IMPORTANT: Verify timing chain is properly positioned on the fixed guide or guide damage will occur.

IMPORTANT: Verify camshafts are properly timed as outlined in this section prior to starting engine.

Fig 5: Aligning Camshaft Sprocket(s) Slots
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Slide camshaft sprocket(s) and timing chain on guide pins toward camshaft(s). Rotate camshaft(s) with 24 mm open-end wrench to properly align camshaft(s) and sprocket(s).
Install new camshaft sprocket bolt and tighten. This will pull the camshaft sprockets into cams. Hold camshaft with 24 mm open-end wrench during torquing.
Torque:

Camshaft Sprocket Bolts: 85 N.m (63 ft-lbs)+30°
Remove Camshaft Sprocket Holding Tool (J43655).
Install front camshaft cap(s).
Torque:

Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts: 10 N.m (89 in-lbs)

Fig 6: Removing Camshaft Sprocket Holding Tool
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NOTE: Apply Permatex® Threadlocker Blue P/N 21485277 to upper timing chain guide bolts.
Install upper timing chain guide and bolts.
Torque:

Timing Chain Guide (Upper) Bolts: 10 N.m (89 in-lbs)

Fig 7: Installing Upper Timing Chain Guide And Bolts
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Install rear intake camshaft bearing cap.
IMPORTANT: Apply Permatex® Anaerobic Flange sealant to cylinder head near the rear intake cap as shown.
Install rear intake camshaft bearing cap.
Torque:

Intake Camshaft Rear Cap: 25 N.m (18 ft-lbs)
Install power steering block-off plate.
Torque:

Power Steering Block-Off Plate: 25 N.m (18 ft-lbs)

Fig 8: Installing Rear Intake Camshaft Bearing Cap
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Visually inspect camshaft cover gasket for signs of leakage. Camshaft cover gasket is reusable if not damaged.
Assemble camshaft cover and gasket. Use care to make sure gasket is located in retaining groove on camshaft cover.
Install cover on cylinder head and hand-tighten bolts.
Torque:

Camshaft Cover Bolts: 10 N.m (89 in-lbs)

Fig 9: Installing Cover On Cylinder Head
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Re-position fuel line assembly.
NOTE: An open-end wrench must be used to support the fuel line-to-rail connection during loosening/tightening to avoid damaging fuel rail assembly.
Install transfer line fitting at fuel-to-fuel rail.
Torque:

Transfer Line Fitting-to-Fuel Rail: 10 N.m (89 in-lbs)
Connect fuel rail bracket and bolt to cylinder head.
Torque:

Fuel Line Bracket Bolt: 10 N.m (89 in-lbs)

Fig 10: Installing Transfer Line Fitting At Fuel-To-Fuel Rail
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Connect ground strap to camshaft cover assembly.
Torque:

Camshaft Cover Ground Strap Bolts: 10 N.m (89 in-lbs)
Connect degas hose and clamp to cylinder head.
Connect degas hose bracket and bolt to cylinder head.
Torque:

Coolant Pipe Bracket Bolt: 10 N.m (89 in-lbs)

Fig 11: Connecting Ground Strap To Camshaft Cover Assembly
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Install spark plugs.
Torque:

Spark Plug: 20 N.m (15 ft-lbs)

Fig 12: Installing Spark Plugs
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Install ignition module assembly to cam cover and hand-tighten retaining bolts.
Torque:

Ignition Module-to-Camshaft Cover Bolts: 8 N.m (71 in-lbs)

Fig 13: Installing Ignition Module Assembly To Cam Cover
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Position outlet resonator/duct assembly into position.
Connect PCV fresh air vent hose assembly.
Tighten clamp at throttle body assembly.
Position outlet resonator/duct assembly up with support bracket and install push-pin.
Tighten clamp at air cleaner assembly.
Connect intake air temperature (IAT) sensor connector.
Connect negative battery cable.

Torque:

Battery Terminal Bolt: 17 N.m (13 ft-lbs)

Fig 14: Installing Outlet Resonator/Duct Assembly

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