Rocker Arm Assembly: Service and Repair

Fig. 1 Camshaft Timing Marks:

REMOVAL

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove the distributor.
3. Disconnect breather hose and secondary air hose.
4. Remove air cleaner and timing belt cover.
5. Rotate crankshaft in normal direction of rotation (clockwise) to bring No. 1 cylinder to top dead center compression stroke. The No. 1 cylinder is at top dead center compression stroke when the mark on the upper timing undercover is aligned with the mark on the camshaft sprocket, Fig. 1.
6. Move timing belt tensioner fully toward the water pump assembly and temporarily secure it.
7. Remove camshaft sprocket attaching bolt, then detach sprocket from camshaft with timing belt attached. Position camshaft sprocket on lower belt cover or suspend sprocket and belt from hood to maintain proper timing alignment.
NOTE: Do not rotate crankshaft after removing sprocket from camshaft.
8. Remove rocker cover and gasket, and note position of camshaft.
9. Remove rocker shaft assembly and cylinder head rear cover.
10. Remove camshaft thrust case tightening bolt, thrust case, camshaft and oil seal. Remove assembly toward transaxle side of cylinder head.
11. Remove oil seal, exhaust side, then intake side rocker arm assembly and camshaft.

Fig. 25 Camshaft Installations:

INSTALLATION

1. Check camshaft journals for wear. If journals are badly worn, replace camshaft.
2. Lubricate, then install camshaft so dowel on camshaft is straight up in cylinder head, Fig. 25.
3. Install the intake, then exhaust side rocker arm assemblies. Torque the rocker arm shaft bolts in an even pattern to specifications.
4. Lubricate the surface of oil seal and end of camshaft. Using guide tool No. MD998307 and seal installer tool No. MD998306 or equivalents, install camshaft oil seal. Ensure seal is completely seated.
5. Install camshaft sprocket and timing belt, and ensure timing marks are aligned, Fig. 1. Torque camshaft sprocket bolt to specifications.
6. Temporarily set valve clearances to specifications with engine cold.
7. Install gasket in rocker cover groove, then temporarily install rocker cover.
8. Start and operate engine at idle speed until normal operating temperature is reached and adjust valve clearances.
9. Install rocker cover, torque bolts to specifications.
10. Install remaining hoses.