Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 63

Fig. 188: Camshaft Position Sensor, Cylinder Head & Screw
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

10. Collapse and pin primary chain tensioner.

11. Remove secondary chain tensioners.

1 - CYLINDER HEAD
2 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
3 - SCREW

CAUTION: Plate behind left secondary chain tensioner could fall into oil pan.

Therefore, cover pan opening.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

12. Remove camshaft position sensor (2). See Fig. 188.

Fig. 189: Special Tool 8428 & Camshaft Hole
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - Camshaft hole
2 - Special Tool 8428

CAUTION: Care should be taken not to damage camshaft target wheel. Do not

hold target wheel while loosening or tightening camshaft sprocket.
Do not place the target wheel near a magnetic source of any kind. A
damaged or magnetized target wheel could cause a vehicle no start
condition.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

13. Remove left and right camshaft sprocket bolts.

14. While holding the left camshaft steel tube with Camshaft Holder 8428. See Fig. 189 (2), remove the left

camshaft sprocket. Slowly rotate the camshaft approximately 5 degrees clockwise to a neutral position.

15. While holding the right camshaft steel tube with Camshaft Holder 8428 (2), remove the right camshaft

sprocket.

16. Remove idler sprocket assembly bolt.

17. Slide the idler sprocket assembly and crank sprocket forward simultaneously to remove the primary and

secondary chains.

18. Remove both pivoting tensioner arms and chain guides.

19. Remove primary chain tensioner.

INSPECTION

TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS

Inspect the following components:

Sprockets for excessive tooth wear. Some tooth markings are normal and not a cause for sprocket
replacement.

Idler sprocket assembly bushing and shaft for excessive wear.

Idler sprocket assembly spline joint. The joint should be tight with no backlash or axial movement.

Chain guides and tensioner arms. Replace these parts if grooving in plastic face is more than 1 mm (0.039
in.) deep. If plastic face is severely grooved or melted, the tensioner lube jet may be clogged. The
tensioner should be replaced.

Secondary chain tensioner piston and ratcheting device. Inspect for evidence of heavy contact between
tensioner piston and tensioner arm. If this condition exist the tensioner arm and chain should be replaced.

Primary chain tensioner plastic faces. Replace as required.

INSTALLATION

TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS

CAUTION: Do not forcefully rotate the camshafts or crankshaft independently of

each other. Damaging intake valve to piston contact will occur.
Ensure negative battery cable is disconnected to guard against
accidental starter engagement.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

Fig. 190: Resetting Secondary Chain Tensioners
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. Using a vise, lightly compress the secondary chain tensioner piston (5) until the piston step is flush with

the tensioner body. Using a pin or suitable tool, release ratchet pawl by pulling pawl back against spring
force through access hole on side of tensioner. While continuing to hold pawl back, Push ratchet device to
approximately 2 mm from the tensioner body. Install Tensioner pin 8514 (3) into hole on front of

1 - VISE
2 - TENSIONER BODY
3 - INSERT LOCK PIN
4 - RATCHET
5 - PISTON

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro