Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 62

REMOVAL 

IDLER SHAFT 

1. Remove the primary and secondary timing chains and sprockets. Refer to procedure in this article. 

2. Using a 12 mm X 1.75 tap, cut threads in the idler shaft center bore.  

3. Cover the radiator core with a suitable cover. 

4. Using Slide Hammer 8517 remove the idler shaft.  

INSTALLATION 

IDLER SHAFT 

1. Thoroughly clean the idler shaft bore.  

2. Position the idler shaft in the bore. 

3. Using the primary idler sprocket retaining bolt and washer, carefully draw the idler shaft into the bore 

until fully seated.  

4. Coat the idler shaft with clean engine oil.  

5. Install the timing chains and sprockets. Refer to procedure in this article.  

CHAIN AND SPROCKETS-TIMING 

REMOVAL 

TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS 

NOTE:

To remove the idler shaft, it is necessary to tap threads into the shaft, to 
install the removal tool.

CAUTION: Use care when removing the idler shaft, Do not strike the radiator 

cooling fins with the slide hammer.

NOTE:

The two lubrication holes in the idler shaft do not require any special 
alignment.

NOTE:

Before using the retaining bolt to install the idler shaft, coat the threads 
and the pilot on the idler shaft, with clean engine oil.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 185: Camshaft Sprocket V6 Marks, (#1 TDC Exhaust Stroke) 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1 - LEFT CYLINDER HEAD
2 - RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 186: Engine Top Dead Center 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Disconnect negative cable from battery.  

2. Drain cooling system. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .  

3. Remove right and left cylinder head covers. See REMOVAL.  

4. Remove radiator fan shroud. Refer to REMOVAL .  

5. Rotate engine until timing mark on crankshaft damper (2) aligns with TDC mark on timing chain cover 

(2) and the camshaft sprocket "V6" marks are at the 12 o'clock position (No. 1 TDC exhaust stroke). See 
Fig. 185 and Fig. 186. 

1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
2 - CRANKSHAFT TIMING MARKS

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 187: Cylinder Head Access Plugs 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

6. Remove power steering pump. Refer to REMOVAL .  

7. Remove access plug from left and right cylinder heads for access to chain guide fasteners. See Fig. 187.  

8. Remove the oil fill housing to gain access to the right side tensioner arm fastener.  

9. Remove crankshaft damper. See REMOVAL, and timing chain cover REMOVAL). 

1 - RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD ACCESS PLUG
2 - LEFT CYLINDER HEAD ACCESS PLUG

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro