Camshaft(S) -Left: Installation

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

Lubricate camshaft journals with clean engine oil.
NOTE: Position the left side camshaft so that the camshaft sprocket dowel is near the 1 o'clock position, This will place the camshaft at the neutral position easing the installation of the camshaft bearing caps.
Position the camshaft into the cylinder head.
Install the camshaft bearing caps, hand tighten the retaining bolts.
Working in 1/2 turn increments, tighten the bearing cap retaining bolts starting with the middle cap working outward (Fig 1).

Fig 1: Identifying Camshaft Bearing Caps Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Torque the camshaft bearing cap retaining bolts to 11 N.m (100 in. lbs.).
Position the camshaft drive gear into the timing chain aligning the V8 mark between the two marked chain links (Two links marked during removal) (Fig 2).
NOTE: When gripping the camshaft, place the pliers on the tube portion of the camshaft only. Do not grip the lobes or the sprocket areas.

Fig 2: Aligning Timing Chain To Sprocket
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Using the adjustable pliers, rotate the camshaft until the camshaft sprocket dowel is aligned with the slot in the camshaft sprocket. Install the sprocket onto the camshaft (Fig 3).
CAUTION: Remove excess oil from camshaft sprocket bolt. Failure to do so can cause bolt over-torque resulting in bolt failure.

Fig 3: Installing Camshaft Sprocket
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove excess oil from bolt, then install the camshaft sprocket retaining bolt and hand tighten.
Remove Special Tool 8350 timing chain wedge (Fig 4).

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool 8350
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Using Special Tool 6958 spanner wrench with adapter pins 8346 (Figure), torque the camshaft sprocket retaining bolt to 122 N.m (90 ft. lbs.).
Install the cylinder head cover.