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3.0L Engine (VIN S)

CAUTION: DO NOT rotate crankshaft in counterclockwise direction, this may cause engine damage. Crankshaft journals are directionally machined. Rotating crankshaft counterclockwise can raise burrs on bearing surfaces, reducing engine life.
    NOTE: Ensure camshaft lobes are 180 degrees away from each shim surface during clearance measurement or adjustment will be incorrect. See Figure .
  1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove both valve cover assemblies. See appropriate article in ENGINES. Rotate crankshaft clockwise to position camshaft lobe away from shim surface. Using feeler gauge, measure and record clearance between camshaft lobe and shim surface. See Figure .
  2. Ensure clearance is within specification. See VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATION (3.0L - VIN S)  table. If clearance is not within specification, go to next step.
    VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATION (3.0L - VIN S) (1)

    Application In. (mm)
    Intake .007-.09 (0.18-0.23)
    Exhaust .013-.015 (0.33-0.38)
    (1) Clearance is checked with engine cold.
  3. Use a permanent type marker to mark position of timing chain in relation to camshaft sprockets to ensure timing remains correct. Mark camshaft cap locations of camshaft that is to be removed. Remove camshaft thrust cap (cap closest to front of cam) and rear camshaft cap. DO NOT remove 2 center camshaft caps.
  4. Install Camshaft Lift Tools (303-659 ) finger tight in place of camshaft caps. Install taller of the two Camshaft Lift Tools in place of rear camshaft cap to allow camshaft to be lifted to remove tappet shims. Remove bolts retaining 2 center camshaft caps and remove center caps.
    5. CAUTION: Use a permanent type marker to note shim locations. DO NOT scratch or use paint to mark shims. Incorrect lash adjustments and/or severe engine damage may result.
  5. Use a permanent type marker to mark location of each shim. Using rubber tipped air gun, blow compressed air between shim edge and tappet to remove shim. Measure and record thickness of each shim to correspond with valve location and clearance.
  6. Use the following formula to select proper shim thickness: Required shim thickness = (measured clearance + current shim thickness) minus most desirable clearance. Select proper shim, and mark for location during installation. Selective shims are available in sizes .083-.117" (2.10-2.96) in increments of .0008" (.020 mm).
  7. Install correct selective shim. Install camshaft(s) and measure new valve clearances. Rotate crankshaft clockwise and repeat procedure for all valves as necessary. If any clearances are incorrect, repeat step  5 . To complete installation, remove Camshaft Lift Tools (303-659 ) and reverse removal procedure. See appropriate article in ENGINES.
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