Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSDODGE AND RAM1996CARAVAN V6-229 3.8LREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISSPECIFICATIONSMECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONSENGINESYSTEM SPECIFICATIONSSERVICE SPECIFICATIONSCAMSHAFT
1996 Dodge and Ram Caravan V6-229 3.8L
Camshaft
1996 Dodge and Ram Caravan V6-229 3.8LSECTION Camshaft
CAMSHAFT
Drive Chain
Bearings Steel Backed Babbitt
Number 4
Diametral Clearance 0.025 - 0.101 mm (0.001 - 0.004 in.)
Maximum Allowable Before Reconditioning 0.127 mm (0.005 in.)
Thrust Taken By Thrust Plate
End Play 0.127 - 0.304 mm (0.005 - 0.012 in.)
Maximum Allowable 0.304 mm (0.012 in.)
CAMSHAFT JOURNALS
Diameter
No. 1 50.724 - 50.775 mm (1.9970 - 1.9990 in.)
No. 2 50.317 - 50.368 mm (1.9809 - 1.9829 in.)
No. 3 49.936 - 49.987 mm (1.9659 - 1.9679 in.)
No. 4 49.530 - 49.581 mm (1.9499 - 1.9520 in.)
CAMSHAFT BEARINGS
Diameter
No. 1 50.825 - 50.800 mm (2.0009 - 1.9999 in.)
No. 2 50.419 - 50.393 mm (1.9849 - 1.9839 in.)
No. 3 50.038 - 50.013 mm (1.9699 - 1.9690 in.)
No. 4 49.632 - 49.606 mm (1.9540 - 1.9529 in.)
Oil Clearance .0254 - .0762 mm (.001 - 003 in.)
VALVE TIMING
Intake Opens (BTC) 2°
Intake Closes (ABC) 58°
Exhaust Opens (BBC) 48°
Exhaust Closes (ATC) 12°
Valve Overlap 14°
Intake Valve Duration 240°
Exhaust Valve Duration 240°
TIMING CHAIN
Number of Links 64
Pitch 0.375 in.
Width 0.750 in.
TAPPETS
Type Roller Hydraulic
Body Diameter 22.95 - 22.96 mm (0.9035 - 0.9040 in.)
Clearance to Block 0.02 - 0.06 mm (0.0007 - 0.0024 in.)
Service Tappets Available Std.
0.025 mm (0.001 in.)
0.20 mm (0.008 in.)
0.762 mm (0.030 in.)
Drive Chain
Bearings Steel Backed Babbitt
Number 4
Diametral Clearance 0.025 - 0.101 mm (0.001 - 0.004 in.)
Maximum Allowable Before Reconditioning 0.127 mm (0.005 in.)
Thrust Taken By Thrust Plate
End Play 0.127 - 0.304 mm (0.005 - 0.012 in.)
Maximum Allowable 0.304 mm (0.012 in.)
CAMSHAFT JOURNALS
Diameter
No. 1 50.724 - 50.775 mm (1.9970 - 1.9990 in.)
No. 2 50.317 - 50.368 mm (1.9809 - 1.9829 in.)
No. 3 49.936 - 49.987 mm (1.9659 - 1.9679 in.)
No. 4 49.530 - 49.581 mm (1.9499 - 1.9520 in.)
CAMSHAFT BEARINGS
Diameter
No. 1 50.825 - 50.800 mm (2.0009 - 1.9999 in.)
No. 2 50.419 - 50.393 mm (1.9849 - 1.9839 in.)
No. 3 50.038 - 50.013 mm (1.9699 - 1.9690 in.)
No. 4 49.632 - 49.606 mm (1.9540 - 1.9529 in.)
Oil Clearance .0254 - .0762 mm (.001 - 003 in.)
VALVE TIMING
Intake Opens (BTC) 2°
Intake Closes (ABC) 58°
Exhaust Opens (BBC) 48°
Exhaust Closes (ATC) 12°
Valve Overlap 14°
Intake Valve Duration 240°
Exhaust Valve Duration 240°
TIMING CHAIN
Number of Links 64
Pitch 0.375 in.
Width 0.750 in.
TAPPETS
Type Roller Hydraulic
Body Diameter 22.95 - 22.96 mm (0.9035 - 0.9040 in.)
Clearance to Block 0.02 - 0.06 mm (0.0007 - 0.0024 in.)
Service Tappets Available Std.
0.025 mm (0.001 in.)
0.20 mm (0.008 in.)
0.762 mm (0.030 in.)
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.