Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 17

3. Position the cylinder head onto the cylinder block. Make sure the cylinder head seats fully over the 

locating dowels. 

Fig. 55: Cylinder Head Bolt Tightening Sequence 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

4. Lubricate the cylinder head bolt threads with clean engine oil and install the eight M11 bolts.  

5. Coat the four M8 cylinder head bolts with Mopar® Lock and Seal Adhesive then install the bolts. 

* - INDICATES SEALANT ON THREADS

NOTE:

The four smaller cylinder head mounting bolts require sealant to be added 
to them before installing. Failure to do so may cause leaks.

NOTE:

The cylinder head bolts are tightened using an angle torque procedure, 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

6. Tighten the bolts in sequence using the following steps and torque values: 

Step 1: Tighten bolts 1-8, 27 N.m (20 ft. lbs.).  

Step 2: Verify that bolts 1-8, all reached 27 N.m (20 ft. lbs.), by repeating step-1 without loosening 
the bolts. Tighten bolts 9 through 12 to 14 N.m (10 ft. lbs.).  

Step 3: Tighten bolts 1-8, 90 degrees. See Fig. 55.  

Step 4: Tighten bolts 1-8, 90 degrees, again. Tighten bolts 9-12, 26 N.m (19 ft. lbs.)  

7. Position the secondary chain onto the camshaft drive gear, making sure one marked chain link is on either 

side of the V6 mark on the gear then using Camshaft Holder 8428, position the gear onto the camshaft. 

8. Install the camshaft drive gear retaining bolt.  

9. Install the left side secondary chain guide.  

10. Install the cylinder head access plug.  

11. Re-set and Install the left side secondary chain tensioner.  

12. Remove Secondary Camshaft Chain Holder 8429.  

13. Install the timing chain cover.  

14. Install the crankshaft damper. Tighten damper bolt 175 N.m (130 Ft. Lbs.)  

15. Install the power steering pump.  

16. Install the fan blade assembly and fan shroud.  

17. Install the cylinder head cover.  

18. Install the intake manifold.  

19. Refill the cooling system  

20. Raise the vehicle.  

21. Install the exhaust pipe onto the left exhaust manifold.  

22. Lower the vehicle.  

23. Connect the negative cable to the battery.  

24. Start the engine and check for leaks.  

CAMSHAFT 

DESCRIPTION 

CAMSHAFT - LEFT 

The camshafts consist of powdered metal steel lobes which are sinter-bonded to a steel tube. Four bearing 
journals are machined into the camshaft. Camshaft end play is controlled by two thrust walls that border the 

however, the bolts are not a torque-to-yield design.

CAUTION: Remove excess oil from camshaft sprocket retaining bolt before 

reinstalling bolt. Failure to do so may cause over-torqueing of bolt 
resulting in bolt failure.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

nose piece journal. 

REMOVAL 

CAMSHAFT - LEFT 

1. Remove cylinder head cover. See 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 the Wedge Locking Tool 8379 will result in hydraulic tensioner ratchet 
over extension, requiring timing chain cover removal to reset the tensioner 
ratchet.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 56: Identifying Special Tool 8379, Camshaft Sprocket, Camshaft Sprocket Bolt & Cylinder 
Head 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

2. Set engine to TDC cylinder #1, camshaft sprocket V6 marks at the 12 o'clock position.  

3. Mark one link on the secondary timing chain on both sides of the V6 mark on the camshaft sprocket to 

aid in installation. 

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

sprocket. 

5. Position the Wedge Locking Tool 8379. See Fig. 56between the timing chain strands, tap the tool to 

securely wedge the timing chain against the tensioner arm and guide. 

1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8379
2 - CAMSHAFT SPROCKET
3 - CAMSHAFT SPROCKET BOLT
4 - CYLINDER HEAD

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.

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.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro