Camshaft R&R

Complete removal and replacement of camshafts on the 1992 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10 engine, including timing chain service, valve train disassembly, and alignment procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Camshaft(s) - intake and/or exhaust × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Timing chain set (chain, guides, tensioner) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gaskets (left and right bank) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Crankshaft front seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft seals × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coolant (if draining system) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone gasket maker × 1 — Mopar OEM or equivalent
• Threadlocker (medium-strength) × 1 — Loctite 242 or equivalent

Fluids

• engine_oil — 11 qt
• coolant — 24 qt

Preparation

1. Disconnect battery negative terminal and isolate cable end away from battery post.
2. Drain engine oil completely into appropriate container and remove oil filter.
3. Drain coolant from radiator and engine block into appropriate container if accessing front timing cover area.
4. Remove engine covers and decorative trim pieces from top of engine.
5. Remove air intake system including air filter housing and intake ducting to throttle body.
6. Support engine from above using engine hoist with load leveler or support fixture to allow motor mount access.
7. Label all electrical connectors, vacuum lines, and fuel lines with tape before disconnection for accurate reassembly.
8. Have service manual with camshaft bearing cap tightening sequence and timing marks readily available.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Valve Covers
   Remove ignition coil packs and spark plug wire looms from both valve covers. Disconnect any breather hoses and PCV connections from valve covers. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse sequence from tightening pattern (start from outer bolts, work toward center). Carefully lift valve covers off; they may be sealed with RTV. Use plastic scraper if necessary to break seal. Inspect valve cover gaskets for damage.
   Torque spec

   Valve Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove Accessory Drive Components
   Remove serpentine belt by releasing tensioner. Remove alternator and bracket assembly, power steering pump (support aside without disconnecting lines), A/C compressor (support aside without disconnecting lines), and water pump. Label and disconnect any sensors on these components. This provides access to timing cover area.
3. 3

   Remove Harmonic Balancer
   Remove radiator fan and shroud for access. Lock crankshaft rotation using appropriate method (transmission in gear with parking brake, or flywheel holding tool). Remove the harmonic balancer center bolt (verify socket size against service manual). Use harmonic balancer puller to remove balancer from crankshaft snout. Do not use jaw-type puller that grips outer ring as this can damage balancer. Inspect keyway and key for damage.
4. 4

   Remove Timing Cover
   If equipped, remove any crank sensor at the timing cover; verify sensor presence/location against the service manual (early Viper uses a distributor-based ignition). Remove all timing cover bolts, noting different lengths and locations. The V10 timing cover uses both 8mm and 10mm bolts in specific locations. Carefully pry timing cover away from engine block using plastic wedges at pry points only (do not damage sealing surfaces). Remove old gasket material and RTV from both cover and block surfaces using plastic scraper. Clean surfaces thoroughly with solvent.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

   Timing Cover Bolts - 8mm25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Timing Cover Bolts - 10mm45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Verify and Mark Timing Alignment
   Rotate crankshaft to TDC cylinder #1 (compression stroke). Verify the timing marks on the crankshaft sprocket and the single camshaft sprocket align with each other (dot-to-dot) per the service manual. Use white paint or marker to mark current position of chain to sprockets as reference. Take photos for reassembly reference. Mark each chain link that aligns with timing marks on sprockets. This is critical for correct reassembly.
   ⚠If timing marks do not align properly, investigate before proceeding. Incorrect timing may indicate prior incorrect assembly or worn components.
6. 6

   Remove Timing Chain and Sprockets
   Remove timing chain tensioner mounting bolt and extract tensioner assembly. Note tensioner position and compression state. Remove timing chain guide bolts and guides. Remove the single camshaft sprocket bolt(s) and remove the timing chain with the crank and cam sprockets. Remove the crankshaft sprocket using a puller if necessary. Inspect all timing components for wear, scoring, or elongation. Remove crankshaft sprocket using appropriate puller if necessary. Inspect all timing components for wear, scoring, or elongation.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

   Camshaft Sprocket Bolts44 Nm (32 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove Rocker Arm Assemblies
   The V10 is a pushrod OHV engine using individual rocker arms. Loosen and remove the rocker arm fasteners gradually in multiple passes to prevent warping, keeping each rocker arm and pushrod organized by cylinder and position. Remove rocker arm shaft bolts completely. Lift rocker arm shaft assemblies off cylinder heads. Keep rocker arms, shafts, and supports organized by bank and position for reassembly in original locations. Inspect rocker arm contact surfaces and shaft wear.
   Torque spec

   Rocker Arm Shaft Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove Camshaft Bearing Caps and Camshafts
   The 8.0L V10 uses a single in-block camshaft. After removing lifters (via a lifter retention system) so they clear the lobes, carefully slide the camshaft straight out the front of the engine block. Support the cam during removal to avoid nicking the block cam bearings. Inspect camshaft lobes and journals for scoring, pitting, or wear.ps. Keep caps organized in order. Carefully lift camshafts straight up out of cylinder heads. Note position of any dowel pins or alignment features. Inspect camshaft lobes for scoring, pitting, or wear. Measure camshaft bearing journal diameters and runout if replacing. Note: Before removing the camshaft, ensure all lifters are retracted/retained clear of the lobes so the cam slides out without lobe interference. Support the camshaft during removal to avoid damaging the block cam bearings.
   ⚠Valve spring pressure will push camshaft upward. Loosen bearing cap bolts gradually and evenly to prevent cap or camshaft damage.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Inspect Camshaft Bearing Surfaces and Prepare for Installation
   Inspect the camshaft bearing surfaces (cam bearings) in the engine block for scoring, galling, or embedded debris. Clean all bearing surfaces thoroughly with lint-free cloth and solvent. Inspect valve lifters (followers) for wear or pitting; replace if damaged. If reusing camshafts, clean thoroughly and inspect lobe surfaces with magnification for incipient pitting. Measure lobe lift against service specifications. If installing new camshafts, verify part numbers match application and ensure cam timing specifications are correct for engine.
   ℹ️New camshafts require break-in procedure. Use dedicated cam break-in lubricant on lobes and journals. Do not use standard assembly lube on cam lobes.
10. 10

    Install Camshafts
    Lubricate all camshaft bearing journals generously with assembly lube (engine oil for bearings, cam break-in lube on lobes if new camshafts). Lubricate the camshaft journals and lobes with assembly lube (cam break-in lube on lobes if new flat-tappet cam). Carefully slide the camshaft straight into the block cam bearing bores, taking care not to nick the bearings. Verify the cam turns freely and is fully seated with the thrust plate installed. Hand-thread all bearing cap bolts to prevent cross-threading.
    ⚠Camshaft bearing caps are machined as matched sets with cylinder heads. Installing caps in wrong positions will cause bearing damage and oil leaks.
11. 11

    Torque Camshaft Bearing Caps
    Install the camshaft thrust plate and torque its bolts to the service manual specification. Verify camshaft endplay with a dial indicator against the manufacturer's specification; excessive endplay indicates a worn thrust plate. Follow the specific sequence pattern for the V10 engine (consult service manual diagram). After torquing, verify camshaft rotates freely by hand with minimal resistance. Check camshaft endplay using dial indicator (specification typically 0.05-0.15mm); excessive endplay indicates worn thrust surfaces.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install Rocker Arm Assemblies
    Lubricate the rocker arms, pushrod tips, and valve stem tips with assembly lube. Install the pushrods into their original bores, then install the individual rocker arms over their studs/mounts in original positions. Ensure each pushrod seats in its lifter and rocker socket, and torque the rocker fasteners to specification (perform lash adjustment if applicable). Install rocker arm shaft bolts hand-tight. Tighten rocker arm shaft bolts evenly in sequence from center outward in multiple passes to final torque specification. Verify all rocker arms move freely and make proper contact with valve stems and cam lobes.
    Torque spec

    Rocker Arm Shaft Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install Crankshaft and Camshaft Sprockets
    Install crankshaft sprocket onto crankshaft snout, ensuring keyway and key are properly aligned. Sprocket should slide on with light resistance; tap gently with soft mallet if necessary. Position the single camshaft to its timing reference. Install the crankshaft sprocket and the camshaft sprocket with the timing chain so the crank and cam timing marks align per the service manual. Apply threadlocker to the cam sprocket bolt(s) but do not fully torque until timing alignment is verified.
    ℹ️Do not fully torque camshaft sprocket bolts until timing chain is installed and timing is verified.
14. 14

    Install Timing Chain and Set Timing
    Install timing chain guides and torque guide bolts to specification. Rotate crankshaft to TDC position for cylinder #1. Install the timing chain over the crankshaft sprocket and the single camshaft sprocket, aligning the crank and cam timing marks dot-to-dot per the service manual. Verify the timing marks line up correctly with the cam sprocket mark pointing toward the crank sprocket mark. Install timing chain tensioner (compress tensioner and lock with pin before installation). Hold each camshaft stationary using wrench on hex section and torque camshaft sprocket bolts to specification. Remove tensioner locking pin to activate tensioner.
    ⚠️Verify timing alignment multiple times before proceeding. Rotate crankshaft two full revolutions by hand and recheck all timing marks. Incorrect timing will cause immediate engine damage upon startup.
    Torque spec

    Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

    Camshaft Sprocket Bolts44 Nm (32 lb-ft)

    Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install Timing Cover
    Install new crankshaft front seal into timing cover using seal driver. Apply thin bead of RTV silicone to timing cover gasket surfaces per service manual specifications (typically at block-to-oil pan junction and cylinder head-to-block junctions). Install new timing cover gasket. Position timing cover onto engine block, ensuring gasket stays in place and cover aligns with all dowel pins. Install timing cover bolts, starting with 10mm bolts and following with 8mm bolts, tightening in sequence from center outward. Torque 10mm bolts first, then 8mm bolts. Install crankshaft position sensor and torque to specification. Allow RTV to cure per manufacturer instructions before adding oil.
    Torque spec

    Timing Cover Bolts - 10mm45 Nm (33 lb-ft)

    Timing Cover Bolts - 8mm25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

    Crankshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Install Harmonic Balancer and Accessories
    Lubricate crankshaft snout and harmonic balancer bore with clean engine oil. Align balancer keyway with crankshaft key and slide balancer onto crankshaft snout. Install harmonic balancer bolt with washer. Lock crankshaft rotation and torque balancer bolt to specification. Install water pump with new gasket, alternator and bracket, power steering pump, and A/C compressor. Reconnect all electrical connections to these components. Install serpentine belt and verify proper routing and tension.
17. 17

    Install Valve Covers
    Clean valve cover gasket surfaces on cylinder heads thoroughly. Install new valve cover gaskets into valve cover grooves, ensuring gaskets seat fully. Apply small dab of RTV at camshaft cap-to-cylinder head junctions if specified by manufacturer. Position valve covers onto cylinder heads, ensuring gaskets stay in place. Install valve cover bolts and torque in sequence from center outward to specification. Reconnect PCV and breather hoses. Install ignition coil packs and spark plug wire looms.
    Torque spec

    Valve Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine covers and decorative trim pieces.
2. Reinstall air intake system including ducting and air filter housing.
3. Remove engine support fixture or hoist and reconnect motor mounts if disturbed.
4. Refill engine with correct grade and quantity of engine oil (11 quarts).
5. Refill cooling system with proper 50/50 coolant mixture (24 quarts total capacity).
6. Reconnect battery negative terminal.
7. Prime oil system by cranking engine with fuel system disabled (pull fuel pump relay) until oil pressure registers on gauge.
8. Clear any diagnostic trouble codes stored during procedure.
9. Start engine and monitor for leaks, unusual noises, or warning lights. Allow engine to reach operating temperature.
10. If new camshafts installed, follow break-in procedure: run engine at 2000-2500 RPM for 20-30 minutes, varying RPM slightly. Do not allow engine to idle during break-in period.

Verification

• Verify no oil leaks from valve covers, timing cover, or camshaft seals.
• Verify no coolant leaks from water pump or timing cover area.
• Check engine oil level on dipstick; add oil if necessary to bring to full mark.
• Monitor engine for abnormal noises including ticking, knocking, or grinding that would indicate incorrect assembly.
• Verify oil pressure reaches normal operating range (10+ PSI at idle, 40-60 PSI at 3000 RPM typical).
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes; address any codes related to camshaft position sensors or timing correlation.
• Road test vehicle and verify normal operation, smooth idle, proper power delivery, and no check engine light.
• After initial test drive, recheck all fastener torques especially valve cover bolts and timing cover bolts.
• Change engine oil and filter after break-in period (500 miles) if new camshafts were installed to remove break-in debris.

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