Relative started to replace the head gasket and he marked the CAM caps now I need help

BONESMIKE

MEMBER
2001 NISSAN FRONTIER
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
199,001 MILES

My relative removed the two cams, then the head to replace a gasket. He marked the cam caps with numbers and one side of the caps he put paint mark the major problem is; he passed away suddenly and now I have to put it back together. First only guessing what would you think as a mechanic where would number be left cam or right cam and the paint marks toward the outside or facing inward now note this head was purchased rebuilt but for some reason he had to take it apart and of course they were marked by the builder whom I have no idea who. I know this sounds stupid but if you were the shop and you marked them 1-10 where would 1 be left front cam or the right cam as you are standing in front of the truck I realize there is sure way but I need a second guess of where so any help or proof of what machine shops do to mark the caps with number and remember the yellow paint on the corner of each cap in facing or out? Please any help would be grateful.

Tuesday, April 13th, 2021 AT 8:58 PM

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

I'm not completely sure I understand what you are asking. When I would number something, I would go left to right. However, I can't say that was what was done.

As far as which cam would have been numbered, I'm not sure what the purpose of the number was. As far as the paint marks, I would take the easiest route and put the mark facing outward. That way I could see them easier.

Let me know if you need directions or help to install anything specifically. I'll be happy to help. I'm just not sure what the numbers were for.

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, April 13th, 2021 AT 9:07 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
15,234 POSTS

From the description it would be hard to match the caps. Do you know where the head was purchased from? If so you could likely call them and get the rebuilders information. I suspect the caps were not marked down each cam but staggered. So caps one and two would be across from each other at the front of the engine then 3 and 4 similar to the attached.
The paint marks would normally all point to one side. But it really depends on the builder. As to why they were removed, you need the cams out to access the head bolts.

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Tuesday, April 13th, 2021 AT 10:20 PM

BONESMIKE

MEMBER
21 POSTS

Will it lock the cam if the cam caps are not put back in the same place you removed them from on 2001 Nissan frontier 2.4. Thanks steve this good a starting place anyway.

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Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 AT 9:35 AM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
15,234 POSTS

It won't lock them but it could cause extra wear if the caps are in the wrong places. If you have an internal micrometer you could use it to measure the installed caps but it would still be a hard thing to be sure they are correct. Another method would be to pull the cylinder head off, take it to a machine shop and have them line hone the caps to bring them back to centerline. Or you could do what I would probably do in this case. Take my first idea and install one cam and cap, then see if the cam turns free after each cap is added to that cam. So take the intake cam, apply a thin coat of oil, set the cam in and add the first cap. Torque it down, cam still turns freely, add the next cap, turn it again, then work down the cam. Ideally you would use something to hold the valves open in each cylinder as you progress but that could be difficult. At worst the engine goes together and runs for a few thousand miles but needs a head. At best it has no issues and runs forever.

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Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 AT 10:24 AM