Working with Timing Chain on a 3.6 Pentastar Engine

DennisB WiseAutoTools.com © Summary: Helpful tools when changing roller rocker arms and camshafts on Mopar Dodge Jeep Chrysler Pentastar 3.6 engines without having to remove the entire front of the engine. 

Sometimes specialty auto tools are not really needed, other times they make life a lot easier. In this case it saves a lot of time having the correct automotive tools on hand. We’ve been selling a lot of Camshaft Phaser Locks and Timing Chain Holders for the 3.6 Dodge/Pentastar engine. The Miller/Mopar tool number for the combo kit is 10202-10200. These are the tools called for in the repair manual when doing certain jobs on the 3.6. The tool numbers are Miller 10200 (sometimes called 10200A) and 10202. Newer engines around 2012 and up may call for 10369-A (sometimes called CY10369A). This is due to a slight design change that does not allow one of the timing chain holders in the kit to be used. It’s best to lubricate the timing chain holders with white lithium grease and to NOT force. Otherwise damage to the tools may occur.

The Chrylser/Mopar 3.6 engine is used across the board and can be found in found in Minivans including Grand Caravan, Caravan, Town & Country, Chrysler 200, 300C, Dodge Challenger, Charger and even in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler vehicles.

This 3.6 engine is a dual overhead cam (DOHC) design, using unique right and left castings and 4-valves per cylinder. The valve-train uses cam followers with hydraulic valve lifters. Note: The location and direction of each cap is marked on the side of the cap.

The camshafts are made of cast iron and have a pressed on magnetic timing wheel that is magnetically coded to work with the Camshaft Position Sensors. Care should be taken not to damage any of these components.

STAR CASE

A STAR Case (TSB) Technical Service Bulletin, S1309000016, was released March 18, 2014 in regards to the rocker arms used in the Pentastar® engine. The symptom/vehicle issue is ticking/tapping noise from the upper engine area. In addition, this failure can also set a misfire fault code also called a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for an engine misfire.

Remove the components to gain access to the engine valve train. Inspect each rocker arm roller bearing for missing or worn needle bearings. Also, inspect for a collapsed valve lifter. Replace, as required. This condition is typically found on vehicles with mileage accumulation of 15,000 miles or more.

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