Caravan FWD V6-3.3L VIN 3 Flex Fuel (2001)
Camshaft: Description and Operation
DESCRIPTION
The nodular iron camshaft is mounted in the engine block and supported with four steel backed aluminum bearings (Fig. 45). A thrust plate, located in
front of the first bearing, is bolted to the block and controls the camshaft end play (Fig. 45). To distinguish camshafts between the 3.31, and 3.8L
engines, a cast-in ring is located between the rear bearing journal and rear lobe (Fig. 46). The 3.3L engine application is as-east only. The 3.8L engine
application the cast ring is machined off.
OPERATION
The camshaft is driven by the crankshaft through a timing chain and sprockets. The camshaft has precisely machined (egg-shaped) lobes to provide
accurate valve timing and duration.