Replaced right passenger head cannot get timing right

Hi,

If you are certain timing is correct, have you checked to see if there are any diagnostic trouble codes that may indicate a specific cylinder misfire? Are there any engine vacuum leaks?

As for the camshaft, they tighten in a specific sequence. Here are directions for removal and replacement. The attached pics correlate with the directions. See if there is anything you missed or did differently.

___________________________________

Note: I'm not sure which head you had apart, so I just picked the left side. The right should be similar.

___________________________________

2003 Dodge or Ram Truck RAM 1500 Truck 2WD V8-4.7L VIN N
Left Camshaft
Vehicle Engine, Cooling and Exhaust Engine Camshaft, Lifters and Push Rods Camshaft Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Removal and Installation Left Camshaft
LEFT CAMSHAFT
CAMSHAFT - LEFT

REMOVAL

CAUTION: When the timing chain is removed and the cylinder heads are still installed, DO NOT forcefully rotate the camshafts or crankshaft independently of each other. Severe valve and/or piston damage can occur.

CAUTION: When removing the cam sprocket, timing chains or camshaft, Failure to use Special Tool 8350 will result in hydraulic tensioner ratchet over extension, requiring timing chain cover removal to reset the tensioner ratchet.

1. Remove cylinder head cover.
2. Set engine to TDC cylinder # 1, camshaft sprocket V8 marks at the 12 o'clock position.
3. Mark one link on the secondary timing chain on both sides of the V8 mark on the camshaft sprocket to aid in installation.

CAUTION: Do not hold or pry on the camshaft target wheel (Located on the right side camshaft sprocket) for any reason, Severe damage will occur to the target wheel resulting in a vehicle no start condition.

4. Loosen but DO NOT remove the camshaft sprocket retaining bolt. Leave the bolt snug against the sprocket.

NOTE: The timing chain tensioners must be secured prior to removing the camshaft sprockets. Failure to secure tensioners will allow the tensioners to extend, requiring timing chain cover removal in order to reset tensioners.

CAUTION: Do not force wedge past the narrowest point between the chain strands. Damage to the tensioners may occur.

Pic 1

5. Position Special Tool 8350 timing chain wedge between the timing chain strands, tap the tool to securely wedge the timing chain against the tensioner arm and guide (Fig. 29).

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.

Pic 2

6. Hold the camshaft with adjustable pliers while removing the camshaft sprocket bolt and sprocket (Fig. 30).
7. Using the pliers, gently allow the camshaft to rotate 15° clockwise until the camshaft is in the neutral position (no valve load).
8. Starting at the outside working inward, loosen the camshaft bearing cap retaining bolts 1/2 turn at a time. Repeat until all load is off the bearing caps.

CAUTION: DO NOT STAMP OR STRIKE THE CAMSHAFT BEARING CAPS. SEVERE DAMAGE WILL OCCUR TO THE BEARING CAPS.

NOTE: When the camshaft is removed the rocker arms may slide downward, mark the rocker arms before removing camshaft.

9. Remove the camshaft bearing caps and the camshaft.

INSTALLATION
1. 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.

2. Position the camshaft into the cylinder head.
3. Install the camshaft bearing caps, hand tighten the retaining bolts.

Pic 3

4. Working in 1/2 turn increments, tighten the bearing cap retaining bolts starting with the middle cap working outward (Fig. 31).
5. Torque the camshaft bearing cap retaining bolts to 11 Nm (100 inch lbs.).

Pic 4

6. 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. 32).

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.

Pic 5

7. 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. 33).

CAUTION: Remove excess oil from camshaft sprocket bolt. Failure to do so can cause bolt overtorque resulting in bolt failure.

8. Remove excess oil from bolt, then install the camshaft sprocket retaining bolt and hand tighten.

Pic 6

9. Remove Special Tool 8350 timing chain wedge (Fig. 34).

Pic 7

10. Using Special Tool 6958 spanner wrench with adapter pins 8346 (Fig. 35), torque the camshaft sprocket retaining bolt to 122 Nm (90 ft. Lbs.).
11. Install the cylinder head cover.

______________________________

Let me know. Also, if you could record the engine cranking and running for me to hear, it would be helpful.

Take care,
Joe

I am not sure what you mean you used bolts to tighten them down. I attached the process for the right head. Take a look at it and let me know what questions you have.

Can you get pictures of what it is you are dealing with and I am sure that will help explain what the issue is. Thanks

Jesse, when you crank the engine, does it sound normal? Is it possible for you to record it cranking so we can hear it?

As far as there being no resistance on the camshaft, that doesn't sound right. The cam is loaded at all times and will have resistance at all points. When you crank the engine, is the cam turning?

As far as calling, I would be happy to, but I need to get an okay from the site owner. That is something we normally wouldn't do. I hope you understand.

Let me know,
Joe