Deciphering camshaft bearing cap numbers

Tiny
MICHAEL SEAL
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
I have the car listed above non turbo. I replaced the leaking head gasket. I had set aside the camshaft bearing caps in order then went to bed. Upon returning to finish up I noticed they were not where I left them. My mom saw them sitting out and scooped them up and put them in the vehicle in a plastic bag. She thought that it would be a good idea to put them up in case it rained. So now they're all out of order. Usually the camshaft bearing caps would be marked R1, R2, R3, L1, L2 Exedra exedra. Mine are marked 3.12 / 209 AB, 3.12 / 209 AB, 3.15 / 209 AB, 3.18 / 209 AB, 3.19 / 209 AB, 3.20 / 209 AB, 3.2 / 209 AB, 3.2 / 209 AB, 3.4/209 AB. What do these numbers and letters mean? And do these numbers and letters correspond with R1 R2 L1 L2 Etc. If not how can I find where they go. Or can I buy a new set of camshaft bearing caps and just torque them down. Also, we bought the car new and it has not had the camshaft or any of this replaced or worked on previously.
Saturday, August 10th, 2019 AT 8:48 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

The caps are machined with part of the head. I doubt you can buy new ones. If you did, you would have to send the head to a machine shop to have them cut so they would have the correct journal size.

I attached a picture for you that may help you out. The front and rear caps are obvious but the centers are marked with numbers in the picture.

Roy
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Sunday, August 11th, 2019 AT 3:59 AM
Tiny
MICHAEL SEAL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I know the sequencing for torquing them down. I have the complete 2008 service manual with over 2,000 pages. I'm trying to find out what the numbers and letters mean. So I might be able to put them back in order.
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Sunday, August 11th, 2019 AT 8:02 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
They are all about the numbers I attached. Look at the numbers and the cap numbers.

Roy
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Sunday, August 11th, 2019 AT 10:45 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL SEAL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Do you see the numbers on the caps? I don't understand why they do not say L1 L2 L3 or R1 R2 R3 Exedra Exedra.
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Saturday, August 17th, 2019 AT 5:33 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
That would have been too easy. Remember, you are working with an Engineer here. They never do anything logical.

Roy
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Saturday, August 17th, 2019 AT 5:45 AM

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