Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 92

1. Clean sealing surfaces of cylinder head and block. 

2. Install head gasket over locating dowels. Ensure the gasket is installed on the correct side of engine. 

3. Install the cylinder head over locating dowels, insert and finger tighten the head bolts.  

4. Tighten the cylinder head bolts in the sequence shown. Using the 4 step torque-turn method, tighten 

according to the following torque values: 

Step 1: All to 61 N.m (45 ft. lbs.)  

Step 2: All to 88 N.m (65 ft. lbs.)  

Step 3: All (again) to 88 N.m (65 ft. lbs.)  

Step 4: + 90° Turn Do not use a torque wrench for this step.  

5. Bolt torque after 90° turn should be over 122 N.m (90 ft. lbs.) in the tightening direction. If not, replace 

the bolt.  

6. Install the inner timing cover to cylinder head bolts. Tighten bolts to 54 N.m (40 lbs.ft.). 

CAUTION: Ensure that the correct head gaskets are used and are oriented 

correctly on cylinder block.

NOTE:

Before installing the cylinder head bolts, lubricate the threads with engine 
oil.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 108: Installing Camshaft Sprocket 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

7. Install camshaft sprocket. Counterhold the camshaft sprocket gear and tighten the camshaft sprocket bolt 

to 102 N.m plus a 1/4 turn (75 lbs. ft. plus a 1/4 turn) 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 109: Camshaft Thrust Plate, Bolt & O-Ring 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

8. Install the rear camshaft thrust plate (1) and seal (3). 

1 - CAMSHAFT THRUST PLATE
2 - BOLT
3 - O-RING

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 110: Identifying Timing Gear Components 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

9. Rotate the camshaft gear (7) to it's alignment mark (8) and check the right camshaft gear (1) and 

crankshaft gear timing (9) alignment marks.  

10. Install the timing belt (4) and tensioner (11). See INSTALLATION. 

1 - RIGHT CAMSHAFT 
GEAR ALIGNMENT MARK

7 - LEFT CAMSHAFT 
GEAR

2 - RIGHT CAMSHAFT 
GEAR

8 - LEFT CAMSHAFT 
GEAR ALIGNMENT MARK

3 - CYLINDER HEAD TO 
INNER TIMING BELT 
COVER BOLTS - RIGHT

9 - CRANKSHAFT GEAR 
ALIGNMENT MARK

4 - TIMING BELT

10 - CRANKSHAFT GEAR

5 - WATER PUMP PULLEY 11 - TIMING BELT 

TENSIONER PULLEY

6 - CYLINDER HEAD TO 
INNER TIMING BELT 
COVER BOLTS - LEFT

12 - TIMING BELT 
TENSIONER

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro