Camshaft, Follower And Valve Adjuster Replacement: Removal
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.
- Disconnect negative battery cable.
- Disconnect intake air temperature (IAT) sensor connector.
- Loosen clamp at air cleaner assembly.
- Remove push pin attachment from outlet resonator/duct assembly to support bracket.
- Loosen clamp at throttle body assembly.
- Disconnect PVC fresh air vent hose at cam cover.
- Remove outlet resonator/duct assembly.
- Remove ignition module assembly with bolts.
- Disconnect coolant degas hose clips from fuel rail.
- Disconnect ground strap at rear of cam cover assembly.
- Relieve fuel system pressure. Refer to FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE .
- Disconnect Gauge Bar Set SA9127E after pressure has been relieved.
- Disconnect fuel rail bracket and bolt at rear of cam cover.
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION: WHENEVER FUEL LINE FITTINGS ARE LOOSENED OR DISCONNECTED, WRAP A SHOP CLOTH AROUND FITTING TO COLLECT FUEL. PLACE CLOTH IN AN APPROVED CONTAINER.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. - While supporting fuel rail assembly with an open-end wrench, loosen transfer line fitting at fuel rail.
- Position fuel line away from cam cover assembly.
- Remove cam cover assembly bolts.
- Remove cam cover assembly.
If intake camshaft is being removed:
- Remove purge solenoid from power steering plate.
- Remove power steering block off plate.
NOTE: To avoid valve-to-piston contact, No. 1 piston must be positioned at approximately 60° before-top-dead-center (BTDC). Pistons are properly positioned when diamond shaped hole on intake camshaft sprocket is located at 12 o'clock.
IMPORTANT: To rotate camshaft(s), use a 24 mm open-end wrench on camshaft flats. Camshaft(s) should be rotated in a clockwise direction only (facing camshaft sprockets from passenger side of vehicle).
- Locate the No. 1 piston to approximately 60° before top dead center (BTDC) (diamond shaped hole on intake camshaft sprocket at 12 o'clock position). Remove spark plugs. This will ease rotation effort.
NOTE: Care should be taken removing guide bolts to avoid from falling down into front cover.
- Remove upper timing chain guide.
- Remove front camshaft caps.NOTE: During camshaft removal procedure, the pistons are locked in position by Camshaft Support Holding Tool J43655. DO NOT rotate engine crankshaft or tool damage and timing reset will be required. Camshafts can be rotated ONLY AFTER #1 piston is at 60° BTDC and sprocket has been disengaged from camshaft.
IMPORTANT: Lubricate sprocket pins with clean motor oil. These will allow sprockets to easily slide on sprocket pins.
- Install camshaft sprocket holding tool J43655 through sprocket holes from timing chain side of sprocket towards rear of engine.
- With guide pin installed in sprocket, align guide pins into slots on support plate.
- Tighten support bracket to cylinder head.
Torque:
Support Plate to Cylinder Head: 10 N.m (89 in-lbs)
- Install wingnuts and tighten.
- Hold each camshaft in place using 24 mm open-end wrench and carefully remove camshaft sprocket timing retaining bolts and washers. Discard torque-to-yield (TTY) bolts.
IMPORTANT: When sliding timing chain and sprockets onto guide pins, be sure timing chain is positioned properly on adjustable and fixed guide or guide damage will occur. Care should be taken when removing camshaft sprockets from camshafts.
IMPORTANT: Camshafts are spring loaded and may rotate. Care should be taken until all spring tension is removed from camshaft.
- Slide camshaft sprockets away from camshafts.
- To release spring tension on camshaft, after camshaft is disengaged from sprocket, rotate camshaft using a 24 mm wrench to a neutral position.
- Uniformly loosen and remove remaining camshaft bearing cap bolts.
- Carefully pull camshaft(s) straight up to avoid damaging cylinder head thrust surfaces.
IMPORTANT: When servicing cylinder head components, components should be kept in order to assure proper re-assembly.
- Remove rocker arms (followers).
- Remove lash adjusters.
NOTE:
During camshaft removal procedure, the pistons are locked by camshaft support holding tool J43655 and SHOULD NOT be rotated. Tool damage may result and timing chain re-timing will be required.
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 2,000 RPM). 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 miles) to purge the air. If air cannot be purged, the faulty lifters will have to be replaced. Lifters that are pumped up may cause PCM misfire codes to set. Continue to operate the engine until the lifters bleed down. Use a Scan tool to clear codes and malfunction history.