GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2000 🢒 Tracker - 4WD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 2.0L 🢒 Exhaust Camshaft and Valve Lifter Replacement

Tools Required

    • J 26900-2 Outside Micrometer 0-2 in
    • J 8001 Dial Indicator Set
    • J 26900-13 Magnetic Base

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Remove the timing chain housing. Refer to Timing Chain Housing Replacement .
  3. Remove the camshaft timing chain and the exhaust camshaft sprocket. Refer to Timing Chain and Sprocket Replacement .
  4. Apply matchmarks to the camshaft position sensor and the cylinder head and remove the camshaft position sensor.

    5. Object Number: 468066 Size: SH
  5. Rotate the crankshaft 90 degrees to prevent interference between the valves and the pistons.

    6. Object Number: 465894 Size: SH
  6. Loosen the exhaust camshaft bearing caps in sequence.
  7. Remove the exhaust camshaft bearing caps.
  8. Remove the exhaust camshaft.

    9. Object Number: 464752 Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Store the valve lifters so that they can be installed in the same bore from which they were removed.
       • Do not disassemble the valve lifter.
       • Do not apply force to the body (valve side) of the valve lifter, this will force oil to leak out of the valve lifter.
       • Store the valve lifters submerged in clean engine oil camshaft side down until installation.
       • Store the valve lifters camshaft side up if left in air until installation. Do not store in air with the camshaft side down or on the valve lifter side.

  9. Remove the valve lifters.

Inspection Procedure

    Object Number: 262331 Size: SH
  1. Measure the camshaft lobe height using the J 26900-2 . Replace the camshaft if any lobe is below the minimum.

    2. Standard Exhaust Camshaft Lobe Height
    39.921-40.081 mm (1.5717-1.5780 in)

    Minimum Exhaust Camshaft Lobe Height
    39.721 mm (1.5638 in)


    Object Number: 166364 Size: SH
  2. Place the camshaft (1) onto V-blocks. Measure the camshaft runout using the J 8001 with the J 26900-13 . Replace the camshaft if the runout exceeds 0.10 mm (0.0039 in).

    3. Object Number: 262337 Size: SH
  3. Inspect the camshaft bearing caps (1) for wear, cracks and scoring.
  4. Inspect the camshaft bearing journals in the cylinder head for wear, cracks and scoring.
  5. If excessive wear or scoring is present, or if the cylinder head is cracked, replace the cylinder head (with bearing caps).
  6. Clean the journals of the camshaft and the cylinder head.
  7. Do not install the valve lifters.
  8. Install the camshafts. The rear end of the exhaust camshaft is slotted to mate with the camshaft position sensor.

    9. Important: Do not turn the camshafts while the gauging plastic is installed.

  9. Place a piece of gauging plastic across the full width of each camshaft journal.

    10. Object Number: 465393 Size: SH

    Important: Cylinder head and camshaft damage may result if the bearing caps are incorrectly installed. The oil clearance measurement will also be incorrect.

  10. Install the camshaft bearing caps. The caps are marked intake or exhaust (1), position away from the timing chain (2), and direction toward the timing chain (3).

    11. Object Number: 465897 Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  11. Use 3 progressive steps to tighten the camshaft bearing cap bolts in sequence.

    12. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 11 N·m (97 lb in).


    Object Number: 464770 Size: SH
  12. Remove the camshaft bearing caps.
  13. Measure the gauging plastic at its widest point (1).

    14. Standard Oil Clearance
    0.020-0.074 mm (0.0008-0.0029 in)

    Maximum Oil Clearance
    0.12 mm (0.0047 in)

  14. If the clearance is greater than the maximum perform the following:
    15. 14.1. Remove the camshaft.
    14.2. Measure the camshaft journal outside diameter with the J 26900-2 .

    Camshaft OD
    25.959-25.980 mm (1.0220-1.0228 in)

    14.3. Install the camshaft bearing caps and torque to 11 N·m (97 lb in).
    14.4. Measure the camshaft journal inside (bore) diameter.

    Camshaft Bore ID
    26.000-26.033 mm (1.0236-1.0249 in)

  15. Replace the component (camshaft or cylinder head with caps) that has the greatest difference from specification.

    16. Object Number: 235495 Size: SH
  16. Inspect the valve lifters for wear, scoring and damage.
  17. Measure the valve lifters with the J 26900-2 .

    18. Valve Lifter OD
    30.959-30.975 mm (1.2189-1.2194 in)


    Object Number: 235471 Size: SH
  18. Measure the valve lifter bores in the cylinder head.

    19. Valve Lifter Bore ID
    31.000-31.025 mm (1.2205-1.2214 in)

  19. The valve lifter-to-valve bore clearance is found by subtracting the valve lifter outside diameter from the valve lifter bore inside diameter.

    20. Standard Valve Lifter-to-Valve Bore Clearance
    0.025-0.066 mm (0.0010-0.0025 in)

    Maximum Valve Lifter-to-Valve Bore Clearance
    0.15 mm (0.0059 in)

  20. If the oil clearance is greater than the maximum, replace the lifter. If the oil clearance is still greater than the maximum, replace the cylinder head.

    21. Object Number: 464750 Size: SH
  21. Inspect that the oil control valve in the cylinder head is clean and that the check ball is free.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 464752 Size: SH
  1. Pour engine oil into the oil feed hole in the valve lifter bore in order to flush any debris from the gallery and to prelube the bore.
  2. Apply engine oil to the valve lifter and install the valve lifters in the same bore from which they were removed.

    3. Object Number: 466584 Size: SH
  3. Line up the crankshaft keyway with the timing mark on the engine block (3).

    4. Object Number: 466597 Size: SH
  4. Apply engine oil to the camshaft journals and lobes.
  5. Install the camshafts aligning the guide pins (1) with the notches (3) on the cylinder head. The exhaust camshaft rear end is slotted to mate with the camshaft position sensor.

    6. Object Number: 473817 Size: SH
  6. Install the dowel pins (1) to the cylinder head.
  7. Apply a bead of GM P/N 12346240 or equivalent to the exhaust camshaft end housing (2).

    8. Object Number: 465393 Size: SH

    Important: Cylinder head and camshaft damage may result if the bearing caps are incorrectly installed.

  8. Install the camshaft bearing caps. The caps are marked intake or exhaust (1), position away from the timing chain (2), and direction toward the timing chain (3).

    9. Object Number: 465897 Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  9. Tighten the camshaft bearing caps.

    10. Tighten
    Tighten the camshaft bearing caps in 3 progressive steps in the sequence shown to 11 N·m (97 lb in).

  10. Align the matchmarks and install the camshaft position sensor (CMP). The sensor shaft is offset and can only be installed 1 way. Secure the CMP with the bolt.
  11. Install the exhaust camshaft sprocket and the timing chain. Refer to Timing Chain and Sprocket Replacement .
  12. Install the timing chain housing. Refer to Timing Chain Housing Replacement .

    13. Important: 

       • Do not turn the camshafts or start the engine (valves should not be operated) for approximately 30 minutes after replacing the valve lifters and camshafts.
       • Allow approximately 30 minutes for the valves to settle in place. Operating the valves before this time may cause valve or piston damage.
       • The valve(s) may make a tapping/ticking sound after replacement if air is trapped in the valve lifter. Run the engine at 2000 RPM until the air is purged from the lifter.
       • If the tapping/ticking does not stop, locate the defective lifter with a stethoscope and replace. Or, remove the cylinder head cover with the engine stopped and push the lifter down by hand with a force less than 20 kg (44 lbs) when the camshaft is on the base circle. If clearance exists between the camshaft and the lifter the lifter is defective and should be replaced.

  13. Connect the negative battery cable.
  14. Inspect and adjust the ignition timing if necessary. Refer to Ignition Timing Adjustment in Engine Controls.