Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 23

Install Cooling System Tester 7700 or equivalent to pressure cap neck. Start the engine and observe the tester's 
pressure gauge. If gauge pulsates with every power stroke of a cylinder a combustion pressure leak is evident. 

CHEMICAL TEST METHOD 

Combustion leaks into the cooling system can also be checked by using Bloc-Chek Kit C-3685-A or equivalent. 
Perform test following the procedures supplied with the tool kit. 

REMOVAL 

CYLINDER HEAD - RIGHT 

Fig. 68: Timing Chain Cover & Crankshaft Timing Marks 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

1. Disconnect battery negative cable.  

2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.  

3. Disconnect the exhaust pipe at the right side exhaust manifold.  

4. Drain the engine coolant. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .  

5. Lower the vehicle.  

6. Remove the intake manifold. See REMOVAL.  

7. Remove the cylinder head cover. See REMOVAL.  

8. Remove the fan shroud. Refer to REMOVAL .  

9. Remove oil fill housing from cylinder head.  

10. Remove accessory drive belt. Refer to REMOVAL .  

11. Rotate the crankshaft until the damper timing mark is aligned with TDC indicator mark. See Fig. 68(2). 

Fig. 69: Camshaft Sprocket V6 Marks 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

12. Verify the V6 mark on the camshaft sprocket is at the 12 o'clock position. See Fig. 69. Rotate the 

crankshaft one turn if necessary.  

13. Remove the crankshaft damper. See REMOVAL.  

14. Remove the timing chain cover. See REMOVAL) 

1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
2 - CRANKSHAFT TIMING MARKS

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 70: Special Tool 8429, Camshaft Chain & Crankshaft Timing Gear 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

15. Lock the secondary timing chains to the idler sprocket using the Secondary Camshaft Chain Holder 8429. 

See Fig. 70(1). 

16. Mark the secondary timing chain, one link on each side of the V6 mark on the camshaft drive gear. 

1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8429
2 - CAMSHAFT CHAIN
3 - CRANKSHAFT TIMING GEAR

NOTE:

Mark the secondary timing chain prior to removal to aid in installation.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

17. Remove the right side secondary chain tensioner. See REMOVAL. 

Fig. 71: Locating Cylinder Head Access Plugs 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

18. Remove the cylinder head access plug. See Fig. 71 (1,2).  

19. Remove the right side secondary chain guide. See REMOVAL. 

20. Remove the retaining bolt and the camshaft drive gear. 

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

CAUTION: The nut on the right side camshaft sprocket should not be removed 

for any reason, as the sprocket and camshaft sensor target wheel is 
serviced as an assembly. If the nut was removed, tighten nut to 5 N.m 
(44 in. lbs.).

CAUTION: Do not allow the engine to rotate. Severe damage to the valve train 

can occur.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro