Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 61

1. Disconnect the battery negative cable.  

2. Drain cooling system. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .  

3. Remove electric cooling fan and fan shroud assembly.  

4. Remove fan and fan drive assembly.  

5. Disconnect both heater hoses at timing cover.  

6. Disconnect lower radiator hose at engine.  

7. Remove accessory drive belt tensioner assembly (1). See Fig. 181. 

Fig. 182: Timing Chain Cover Fastener Tightening Sequence 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

8. Remove crankshaft damper. See REMOVAL.  

9. Remove the generator. Refer to REMOVAL .  

10. Remove the A/C compressor. Refer to REMOVAL . 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

11. Remove the bolts holding the timing cover to engine block. See Fig. 182  

12. Remove the timing cover.  

INSTALLATION 

TIMING CHAIN COVER 

CAUTION: The 3.7L engine uses an anaerobic sealer instead of a gasket to seal 

the front cover to the engine block, from the factory. For service, 
Mopar® Grey Engine RTV sealant must be substituted.

NOTE:

It is not necessary to remove the water pump for timing cover removal.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 183: Timing Cover, Water Passage O-ring & Mopar® Engine RTV Sealer 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Clean timing chain cover and block surface using rubbing alcohol. 

2. Inspect the water passage o-rings for any damage, and replace as necessary.  

3. Apply Mopar® Grey Engine RTV sealer (3) to the front cover following the path below, using a 3 to 

4mm thick bead. See Fig. 183. 

1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
2 - WATER PASSAGE ORING
3 - MOPAR® ENGINE RTV SEALER

CAUTION: Do not use oil based liquids to clean timing cover or block surfaces. Use 

only rubbing alcohol, along with plastic or wooden scrapers. Use no wire 
brushes or abrasive wheels or metal scrapers, or damage to surfaces 
could result.

CAUTION: The 3.7L uses a special anaerobic sealer instead of a gasket to seal 

the timing cover to the engine block, from the factory. For service 
repairs, Mopar® Grey Engine RTV must be used as a substitute.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 184: Timing Chain Cover Fastener Tightening Sequence 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

4. Install cover. Tighten flange head fasteners in sequence shown to 58 N.m (43 ft. lbs.). See Fig. 184.  

5. Install crankshaft damper. See INSTALLATION.  

6. Install the A/C compressor. Refer to INSTALLATION .  

7. Install the generator. Refer to INSTALLATION .  

8. Install accessory drive belt tensioner assembly. Refer to INSTALLATION .  

9. Install radiator upper and lower hoses.  

10. Install both heater hoses.  

11. Install electric fan shroud and viscous fan drive assembly.  

12. Fill cooling system. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .  

13. Connect the battery negative cable.  

SHAFT-IDLER 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro