Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 24

Fig. 72: Cylinder Head Bolt Tightening Sequence 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

21. Remove the cylinder head retaining bolts. See Fig. 72. 

CAUTION: Do not overlook the four smaller bolts at the front of the cylinder 

head. Do not attempt to remove the cylinder head without removing 
these four bolts.

CAUTION: Do not hold or pry on the camshaft target wheel for any reason. A 

damaged target wheel can result in a vehicle no start condition.

* - INDICATES SEALANT ON THREADS

NOTE:

The cylinder head is attached to the cylinder block with twelve bolts.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

22. Remove the cylinder head and gasket. Discard the gasket.  

CLEANING 

CYLINDER HEADS 

Fig. 73: Proper Tool Usage for Surface Preparation 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

CAUTION: Do not lay the cylinder head on its gasket sealing surface, do to the design 

of the cylinder head gasket any distortion to the cylinder head sealing 
surface may prevent the gasket from properly sealing resulting in leaks.

1 - PLASTIC/WOOD SCRAPER

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

To ensure engine gasket sealing, proper surface preparation must be performed, especially with the use of 
aluminum engine components. See Fig. 73. See STANDARD PROCEDURE.  

INSPECTION 

CYLINDER HEADS 

1. Inspect the cylinder head for out-of-flatness, using a straightedge and a feeler gauge. If measurements 

exceed 0.0508 mm (0.002 in.) replace the cylinder head.  

2. Inspect the valve seats for damage. Service the valve seats as necessary.  

3. Inspect the valve guides for wear, cracks or looseness. If either condition exist, replace the cylinder head. 

INSTALLATION 

CYLINDER HEAD - RIGHT 

Fig. 74: Stretched Bolt, Threads Are Not Straight On Line, Threads Are Straight On Line & Unstreched 
Bolt 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

NOTE:

The cylinder head bolts are tightened using a torque plus angle procedure. The 
bolts must be examined BEFORE reuse. If the threads are necked down (2) the 
bolts should be replaced.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Necking can be checked by holding a straight edge against the threads. If all the threads do not contact the scale, 
the bolt should be replaced. See Fig. 74. 

Fig. 75: Proper Tool Usage for Surface Preparation 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Clean the cylinder head and cylinder block mating surfaces. See Fig. 75. 

1 - PLASTIC/WOOD SCRAPER

CAUTION: When cleaning cylinder head and cylinder block surfaces, DO NOT use a 

metal scraper because the surfaces could be cut or ground. Use only a 
wooden or plastic scraper (1).

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro