Camshaft: Service and Repair

Removal

Fig. 5 Camshaft Timing Marks:

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Disconnect breather hose and secondary air hose.
3. Remove air cleaner and timing belt cover.
4. 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. 5.
5. Move timing belt tensioner fully toward the water pump assembly and temporarily secure it.
6. 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. Do not rotate crankshaft after removing sprocket from camshaft.
7. Remove rocker cover, and note position of camshaft.
8. Remove rocker shaft assembly and cylinder head rear cover.
9. Remove camshaft thrust case tightening bolt, thrust case and camshaft. Remove assembly toward transaxle side of cylinder head.

Installation

1. Check camshaft journals for wear. If journals are badly worn, replace camshaft.
2. Install camshaft thrust case and thrust plate to camshaft end and firmly tighten attaching bolt. Check camshaft endplay. Endplay should be .002-.008 inch. If endplay exceeds specified value, replace thrust case and recheck endplay.
3. If endplay is still not within specification, check rear end of camshaft journal for wear. If badly worn, replace camshaft.
4. Lubricate camshaft journal and thrust portions of camshaft with clean engine oil.
5. Insert camshaft into cylinder head and rotate camshaft to position noted during disassembly (TDC on compression stroke for No. 1 cylinder).
6. Insert camshaft thrust case with the threaded hole facing upward. Align threaded hole with bolt hole in the cylinder head. Install and firmly tighten attaching bolt.
7. Install rear gasket and cover. Firmly tighten bolts.
8. Using guide tool No. MD998307 and seal installer tool No. MD998306 or equivalents, install camshaft oil seal. Lubricate external surface of seal completely with engine oil.
9. Ensure seal is completely seated.
10. Install camshaft sprocket and timing belt, and ensure timing marks are aligned, Fig. 5. Tighten camshaft sprocket bolt to specifications.

Fig. 12 Rocker Arm & Shaft Assembly & Installation:

Fig. 13 Rocker Arm & Shaft Assembly & Installation:

11. On all models except 1991-92 Mirage, install rocker arm and shaft assembly, Fig. 12. Both intake and exhaust rocker arms have identification marks stamped on the side of the rocker arm at the valve end. Rocker arms marked 1 and 3 can be installed at cylinder locations 1 and 3. Rocker arms marked 2 and 4 can be installed at cylinder locations 2 and 4. Also note that rocker arm springs for exhaust rocker arms have a free length of 1.85 inches (47mm), while those for intake rocker arms have a free length of 3.03 inches (77mm). Tighten rocker arm shaft bolts to specifications.
12. On 1991-92 Mirage models, install rocker arms with identification marks positioned as shown in Fig. 13.
13. Position large chamfer end of rocker shaft toward timing belt side of engine.
14. On all models, temporarily set valve clearances to specifications with the engine cold. Valve clearance specifications for cold engine are as follows:
a. Intake valve, .003 inch (.07mm).
b. Exhaust valve, .007 inch (.17mm)
15. Install gasket in rocker cover groove, then temporarily install rocker cover.
16. Start and operate engine at idle speed until normal operating temperature is reached and adjust valve clearances.
17. Install rocker cover.
18. Reverse remaining procedure to complete installation, tighten rocker cover bolts to specifications.