Complete removal and replacement of the camshaft on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including timing system disassembly, rocker arm removal, and proper reassembly with timing alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Camshaft × 1 — Use OEM Cummins specification
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft bearing cap bolts × 1 — Replace if previously torqued
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Standard M14 copper washer
• Timing chain (if worn) × 1 — Inspect and replace if needed
• Timing chain tensioner × 1 — Recommended replacement
• Engine oil × 13 — Mopar 5W-20 Synthetic Blend
• Engine coolant × 2 — Mopar OAT Purple
• Front crankshaft seal × 1 — Recommended replacement

Fluids

• Mopar 5W-20 Synthetic Blend — 13 qt
• Mopar OAT Coolant (Purple) — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect both negative battery cables and isolate from batteries
3. Allow engine to cool completely for at least 4 hours
4. Remove engine cover and beauty covers
5. Drain engine oil completely and install drain plug with new crush washer
6. Drain coolant from radiator and lower hose into appropriate container
7. Remove air intake system from turbocharger to air filter housing
8. Support engine from above using engine support fixture or hoist with load leveler
9. Document all electrical connector positions with photos before disconnection

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Valve Cover and Rocker Assembly
   Disconnect fuel injector harness connectors and set aside. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse sequence (outside-to-center pattern). Carefully lift valve cover away and remove gasket. Mark all rocker arm positions with paint or marker. Rotate engine so each rocker arm is on the base circle of cam lobe (valve closed) before removing corresponding rocker arm shaft bolt. Remove rocker arm shaft bolts evenly to prevent binding. Lift rocker shaft assembly off and store in clean area with pushrods in order.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)

   Rocker Arm Shaft Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove Front Engine Accessories and Damper
   Remove serpentine belt by releasing tensioner. Remove fan shroud bolts and fan assembly. Disconnect power steering pump and set aside without disconnecting lines. Remove A/C compressor mounting bolts and secure compressor to frame without disconnecting lines. Using appropriate holding tool, remove harmonic balancer bolt. Use proper harmonic balancer puller (NOT a jaw puller) to remove balancer from crankshaft. Inspect keyway for damage.
   Torque spec

   Harmonic Balancer Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove Timing Cover
   Disconnect crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor electrical connectors. Remove both sensors from timing cover. Remove timing cover bolts in sequence, noting different lengths and locations. Carefully separate timing cover from block using plastic pry points only (never between machined sealing surfaces). Clean all gasket material from block and cover surfaces using plastic scraper. Inspect timing cover seal and replace if removing balancer exposed any wear.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)

   Crankshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

   Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Verify and Lock Timing Position
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise (viewed from front) to bring cylinder #1 to TDC compression stroke. Install crankshaft timing pin through block into crankshaft timing hole. Install camshaft timing pin through rear timing cover into camshaft. Both pins should insert fully with minimal resistance. If pins do not align, remove and rotate crankshaft 360 degrees and retry. Mark timing chain to sprocket positions with paint before removal. Take multiple reference photos of timing chain routing and tensioner position.
   ⚠Do not force timing pins. Forced installation indicates incorrect timing position and will cause engine damage
5. 5

   Remove Timing Chain Components
   Remove timing chain tensioner bolt and carefully extract tensioner assembly - note that tensioner may be under spring pressure. Remove timing chain guide bolts and guides, keeping all components organized. Remove timing chain idler sprocket bolt and idler. While holding camshaft with wrench on hex section behind #6 cylinder, remove camshaft sprocket bolt. Remove camshaft sprocket with timing chain together as an assembly. Inspect chain for wear, stretch, and damaged links. Measure chain stretch - replace if beyond service limit.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

   Timing Chain Idler Sprocket25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Camshaft Sprocket Bolt80 Nm (59 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove Cam Phaser (if equipped)
   If vehicle is equipped with variable valve timing, remove cam phaser bolt while holding camshaft stationary using wrench on hex section. Remove cam phaser from camshaft nose. Inspect phaser for internal damage, metal particles in oil passages, or sluggish operation. Check VVT solenoid function and clean or replace as needed. Keep phaser in clean, lint-free area if reusing.
   Torque spec

   Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)

   VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove Camshaft Bearing Caps and Camshaft
   Verify all rocker assemblies are removed and no components are blocking camshaft removal. Note that camshaft bearing caps are numbered and directional - mark position with paint if markings are unclear. Loosen camshaft bearing cap bolts evenly in sequence from outside caps toward center, making multiple passes (approximately 3-4 turns per pass per bolt). Remove bearing caps and keep in exact order. Carefully lift camshaft straight up and out of cylinder head. Do not allow camshaft to drag across bearing surfaces. Inspect all camshaft lobes for wear, scoring, or pitting. Measure cam lobe lift with micrometer - replace if worn beyond specification. Inspect bearing journals for scoring or discoloration.
   ⚠Bearing caps MUST be reinstalled in exact original positions and orientation. Swapped caps will cause immediate bearing failure
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Inspect and Prepare Camshaft Bearing Surfaces
   Clean all bearing surfaces in cylinder head using clean lint-free cloth and mineral spirits. Inspect bearing bores for scoring, discoloration, or excessive wear. Check bearing oil passages for blockage - clear with compressed air while wearing eye protection. Measure bearing bore diameter and compare to specification. If bearings are worn, cylinder head must be replaced (bearings are not serviceable separately on this engine). Clean new camshaft with clean engine oil to remove preservative coating. Apply assembly lube to all camshaft bearing journals and lobes.
   ℹ️Never install a new camshaft without applying proper assembly lubricant. Dry start will destroy camshaft within seconds
9. 9

   Install New Camshaft
   Carefully lower new camshaft into cylinder head, ensuring camshaft does not contact bearing surfaces during installation. Rotate camshaft as needed to align lobes away from bucket followers. Apply thin coat of engine oil to bearing cap surfaces. Install bearing caps in exact original positions with numbered/marked sides facing the same direction as removal (typically toward intake or exhaust side depending on engine variant). Install bearing cap bolts finger-tight initially. Tighten bearing cap bolts in sequence from center caps outward in 3 passes: first pass to 5 Nm, second pass to 10 Nm, final pass to specification. Verify camshaft rotates smoothly by hand after installation.
   Torque spec

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

    Install Cam Phaser and Timing Components
    If equipped with VVT, install cam phaser onto camshaft with alignment marks properly positioned. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to cam phaser bolt threads. While holding camshaft with wrench, install and torque cam phaser bolt to specification. Install camshaft sprocket and timing chain as an assembly, aligning all timing marks made during removal. Install idler sprocket and torque bolt to specification. Install timing chain guides and torque guide bolts to specification. Verify all timing marks still align with marks made during disassembly.
    Torque spec

    Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)

    Camshaft Sprocket Bolt80 Nm (59 lb-ft)

    Timing Chain Idler Sprocket25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

    Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install and Tension Timing Chain
    Compress timing chain tensioner and install retaining pin or clip to keep tensioner compressed. Install tensioner into block and torque tensioner bolt to specification. Remove tensioner retaining pin/clip to apply tension to chain. Verify timing chain has proper tension by checking deflection at midpoint between sprockets (specification typically 12-15mm with moderate thumb pressure). Verify timing pins still fit properly with tensioner released. Remove timing pins and rotate engine by hand 2 complete revolutions clockwise. Reinstall timing pins to verify timing returned to correct position - both pins should insert fully. If pins do not fit, disassemble and verify timing mark alignment.
    ⚠If timing pins do not fit after rotation, DO NOT proceed. Timing is incorrect and must be corrected before assembly continues
    Torque spec

    Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install Timing Cover and Front Accessories
    Clean timing cover and block surfaces thoroughly. Apply thin bead of RTV silicone to block at oil pan-to-block junction points. Install new timing cover gasket. Apply thin coat of clean engine oil to crankshaft seal area. Install timing cover and start all bolts finger-tight. Install timing cover bolts in sequence, tightening 8mm bolts first to specification, then 10mm bolts to specification. Install crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor, torquing to specification. Install harmonic balancer onto crankshaft, ensuring keyway is properly aligned. Torque harmonic balancer bolt to specification using breaker bar or impact wrench as needed. Reinstall power steering pump, A/C compressor, fan assembly, and serpentine belt.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)

    Crankshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

    Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

    Harmonic Balancer Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install Rocker Assembly and Valve Cover
    Lubricate all pushrod ends and rocker arm contact points with assembly lube. Install pushrod assembly in original locations. Position rocker shaft assembly over pushrods and onto cylinder head studs. Rotate crankshaft to position each valve on base circle (cam lobe pointing away from rocker) before tightening corresponding rocker arm shaft bolt. Tighten rocker arm shaft bolts evenly in sequence to specification. After all bolts are torqued, verify each rocker arm has appropriate clearance and moves freely. Clean valve cover and cylinder head gasket surfaces. Install new valve cover gasket in cover groove. Apply small dab of RTV at camshaft cap-to-head junction points. Install valve cover and tighten bolts in sequence from center outward to specification.
    Torque spec

    Rocker Arm Shaft Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

    Cover Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final Assembly and Fluid Fill
    Reconnect all fuel injector harness connectors. Reinstall air intake system and all remaining components removed during disassembly. Refill cooling system with 18 quarts Mopar OAT Purple coolant (or top off to full level). Install new oil filter and fill engine with 13 quarts Mopar 5W-20 synthetic blend engine oil. Reconnect both battery negative cables. Prime engine oil system by cranking engine for 10-15 seconds with fuel system disabled (pull fuel pump relay or disconnect fuel solenoid). Check for oil pressure indication before allowing engine to start.
    ⚠Do not allow engine to start until oil pressure is confirmed. Starting without oil pressure will damage new camshaft

Reassembly

1. Verify all timing pins were removed before final engine rotation
2. Double-check all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked
3. Confirm all accessory drive components are properly aligned and torqued
4. Ensure no tools or rags remain in engine compartment before starting
5. Check that all fluid levels are correct before first start

Verification

• Start engine and verify immediate oil pressure within 3-5 seconds of start
• Listen for any abnormal valve train noise - ticking, knocking, or rattling indicates problem
• Verify no coolant, oil, or fuel leaks from any disturbed components
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify proper thermostat operation
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes - camshaft position sensor codes indicate timing problem
• Road test vehicle under various loads and verify smooth operation with no misfires or hesitation
• Re-check valve cover and timing cover for leaks after 50-100 miles of operation
• Monitor oil pressure at idle and cruise speeds - should match specifications

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