1964-1997 AMC Jeep 199-258ci 6 Cylinder 4×4 800-4800RPM Hydraulic Camshaft

Fit In Five Steps

How to replace an AMC Jeep Hydraulic Camshaft?

1.Access the Camshaft

Removing the timing cover is one of the most difficult parts of an in-car installation if you’re going to attempt it without pulling the engine. The oil pan must be lowered enough to remove the timing cover while also clearing the crankshaft snout. With the cover off the engine, remove the three upper timing-chain bolts, along with the lower timing gear if a new timing chain is to be installed. This process will vary, depending on your make and model, but generally, you’ll have to start by disconnecting the battery lines, then removing the radiator cap and releasing the valve under the passenger’s side to drain it.

2.Remove the Valve Covers

This will allow you to access the rockers, pushrods, and lifters. Keep the rockers and pushrods in order. While you remove the rocker nuts, the engine may have to be turned over a few times in order to take valve spring pressure away from certain rocker-to-valve stem contact points.

• Remove the Mass Air Flow (MAF) and Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor assembly, if necessary. Unbolt the radiator tray and remove it. Unbolt and detach the Manifold Air Temperature (MAT) tubes from the manifold.
• Remove the spark plug wires, disconnecting the wiring harness leading to the coil packs and remove the coil packs from the valve covers. Detach the hoses from the valve covers and remove the valve covers to access the crankshaft.

3.Rotate Cam & Remove Old Cam

Turn the camshaft wheel until you see the V-shaped timing mark at the top. If these timing marks are not aligned properly during assembly, the camshaft will be out of phase with the crankshaft and the valves may be damaged if they strike the pistons. Though using a camshaft removal tool is ideal, if your budget is tight you can work the cam out of the engine block by twisting it slowly and carefully, taking precaution not to scratch or gall the bearings.

4.Install New Camshaft

The camshaft and valve gear components should be washed in solvent, to remove grease and dust accumulated during transport, to ensure a clean installation. Dry the parts thoroughly before installation, laying them out on paper towels or shop rags. Cam lobes and bearings need to be coated with oil conditioner, which is usually included with new part kits. Rotate the cam while it’s on the block, applying the oil in small amounts. Be careful to avoid scratching the cam bearings.  The timing chain and sprocket can be assembled after you’ve lubricated the parts. To align the timing, you need to set the timing gear to Top Dead Center (TDC) and torque the assembly to the proper specifications, which will differ, depending on the brand of the component. Make sure oil does not leak from the front of the engine. Apply silicone between the oil pan and timing-cover seal contact points, then tighten the oil pan back into place.

5.Lubricate & Reinstall all Parts

Always use a new set of lifters, checking each to make sure it can move unimpeded after you assemble it. If it doesn’t, the cam and lifter will be distributed incorrectly, which can result in engine failure. Reinstall the water pump and reconnect both heater hoses. Compress the belt tensioner and replace the drive belt. Reinstall the radiator and refasten all of those hoses, reconnecting the tubes in the fill neck. Turn the ignition and let the engine run, without starting, for a few seconds. Reconnect the coil pack harness if there are no problems.  Let the car idle, pressing the gas pump if it threatens to stall. When the engine is running at full temperature, replace the radiator cap.