2001 cam cover gasket, xj 8, how do i remove the oil dipstick line so that i can remove the cover

The following instructions come from my Hanes Repair Manual #25040 for the replacement of a thermostat on the 2.7 L engine:

1. Raise the vehicle and place it securely on jackstands. Remove the right front wheel. Remove the accessory drivebelt splash shield.
2. Remove the accessory drivebelts.
3. Remove the lower alternator mounting bolt.
4. Lower the vehicle.
5. Disconnect the alternator electrical connectors.
6. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the air conditioning compressor.
7. Remove the oil dipstick and the dipstick tube. Plug the hole in the oil pan with a clean shop rag to prevent debris from entering the pan.
8. Remove the rest of the alternator mounting bolts and then remove the alternator.
9. Loosen the hose clamps and then disconnect the two hoses from the thermostat housing cover.
10. Remove the thermostat housing cover bolts and then remove the housing.
11. Note how the thermostat is installed, with the "jiggle valve" at the 12 o'clock position, and then remove the thermostat.
12. Remove all traces of sealant from the housing and coverr with a gasket scraper.
13. Install the thermostat housing cover and then tighten the bolts to the correct torque.
14. Reattach the hoses to the thermostat housing cover. Make sure that the hose clamps are still tight.
15. The remainder of the installation is the reverse of the removal.
16. When you're done, refill the cooling system.
17. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature, then check for leaks and proper thermostat operation.

Removal & Installation

2.4L Engine

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Drain the engine oil.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Negative battery cable Structural collar A/C compressor bracket to oil pan bolt Oil pan
   
4. Clean the oil pan and all gasket mating surfaces.

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   Oil pan gasket to the block after applying engine RTV at the oil pump parting line Oil pan. Torque the bolts to 105 inch lbs. (12 Nm). Structural collar Negative battery cable
   
2. Fill the crankcase to the correct level.
3. Start the engine, check for leaks and repair if necessary.

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Drain the engine oil.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Negative battery cable Structural collar A/C compressor bracket to oil pan bolt Oil pan
   
4. Clean the oil pan and all gasket mating surfaces.

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   Oil pan gasket to the block after applying engine RTV at the oil pump parting line Oil pan. Torque the bolts to 105 inch lbs. (12 Nm). Structural collar Negative battery cable
   
2. Fill the crankcase to the correct level.
3. Start the engine, check for leaks and repair if necessary.

3.0L Engine

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Drain the engine oil.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Negative battery cable Starter motor Front motor mount bracket Bending braces Torque converter dust shield Oil pan
   
   

   Fig. Oil pan mounting bolt tightening sequence-3.0L engine
   
   

To install:

1. Clean the oil pan all mating surfaces.
2. Apply RTV gasket material to the oil pan.
3. Install or connect the following:
   
   Oil pan. Tighten the bolts in sequence to 50 inch lbs. (6 Nm). Torque converter dust shield Bending braces Front motor mount bracket Starter motor Negative battery cable
   
4. Fill the crankcase to the correct level.
5. Start the engine, check for leaks and repair if necessary.

3.3L & 3.8L Engines

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Drain the engine oil.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Negative battery cable Engine oil dipstick Drive belt splash shield Strut to transaxle attaching bolt and loosen the strut to engine attaching bolts Transaxle case cover Oil pan fasteners Oil pan and gasket
   

To install:

1. Clean the oil pan and all mating surfaces.
2. Apply a 1 / 8 inch bead of gasket material at the parting line of the chain case cover and the real seal retainer.
3. Install or connect the following:
   
   New gasket on the oil pan Oil pan. Torque the bolts to 105 inch lbs. (12 Nm). Transaxle case cover All bending brace bolts Drive belt splash shield Engine oil dipstick Negative battery cable
   
4. Fill the crankcase to the correct level.
5. Start the engine, check for leaks and repair if necessary.

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Drain the engine oil.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Negative battery cable Engine oil dipstick Drive belt splash shield Strut to transaxle attaching bolt and loosen the strut to engine attaching bolts Transaxle case cover Oil pan fasteners Oil pan and gasket
   

To install:

1. Clean the oil pan and all mating surfaces.
2. Apply a 1 / 8 inch bead of gasket material at the parting line of the chain case cover and the real seal retainer.
3. Install or connect the following:
   
   New gasket on the oil pan Oil pan. Torque the bolts to 105 inch lbs. (12 Nm). Transaxle case cover All bending brace bolts Drive belt splash shield Engine oil dipstick Negative battery cable
   
4. Fill the crankcase to the correct level.
5. Start the engine, check for leaks and repair if necessary.

Here is the procedure. You DO have to remove the flexplate cover to get to the back 2 bolts. There are also a couple struts on the sides that block a couple bolts, if i recall correctly. I think you can do it in a couple hours.

3.3L & 3.8L Engines

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Drain the engine oil.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Negative battery cable Engine oil dipstick Drive belt splash shield Strut to transaxle attaching bolt and loosen the strut to engine attaching bolts Transaxle case cover Oil pan fasteners Oil pan and gasket
   

To install:

1. Clean the oil pan and all mating surfaces.
2. Apply a 1 / 8 inch bead of gasket material at the parting line of the chain case cover and the real seal retainer.
3. Install or connect the following:
   
   New gasket on the oil pan Oil pan. Torque the bolts to 105 inch lbs. (12 Nm). Transaxle case cover All bending brace bolts Drive belt splash shield Engine oil dipstick Negative battery cable
   
4. Fill the crankcase to the correct level.
5. Start the engine, check for leaks and repair if necessary.

2wd Models

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Drain the engine oil.
   
2. Remove the oil dipstick.
   
3. If necessary remove the exhaust pipe crossover.
   
4. If equipped with automatic transmission, remove the converter housing pan and the transmission oil cooler line retainer from the bracket.
   
5. On 1996-98 models, remove the oil filter and if equipped, the oil filter adapter.
   
6. If necessary, remove the starter brace and bolt and swing the starter aside.
   
7. Remove the strut rods, if equipped.
   
8. Remove the oil pan and discard the gaskets.
   

To install:

1. Apply a suitable sealant such as GM part number 12346192 or its equivalent to the front cover-to-block joint and to the rear crankshaft seal-to-block joint. Apply the sealant about 1 inch (25mm) in both directions from each of the four corners.
   
2. Clean all gasket surfaces and use new gaskets to assemble.
   
3. Install new gasket and seals.
   
4. Install the oil pan.
   
5. On 1988-95 models, tighten the pan bolts to 100 inch lbs. (11 Nm). Tighten the pan nuts to 17 ft. lbs. (23 Nm).
   
6. On 1996-98 models, tighten the oil pan nuts and bolts to 18 ft. lbs. (25 Nm).
   
7. Install the strut rods, if equipped.
   
8. If removed, install starter, starter brace and bolt.
   
9. If equipped, install the oil filter adapter.
   
10. If removed, install the oil filter.
    
11. If equipped with automatic transmission, install the converter housing pan and the transmission oil cooler line retainer to the bracket.
    
12. Install the exhaust pipe crossover.
    
13. Install the oil dipstick.
    
14. Fill the engine with oil and check for leaks.
    

Caravan, Grand Voyager, Town and Country, Voyager, 2000-2004

Oil Pan - Removal & Installation

2.4L Engine

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Drain the engine oil.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   Negative battery cable Structural collar A/C compressor bracket to oil pan bolt Oil pan
4. Clean the oil pan and all gasket mating surfaces.

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   Oil pan gasket to the block after applying engine RTV at the oil pump parting line Oil pan. Torque the bolts to 105 inch lbs. (12 Nm). Structural collar Negative battery cable
2. Fill the crankcase to the correct level.
3. Start the engine, check for leaks and repair if necessary.
   

3.0L Engine

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Drain the engine oil.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   Negative battery cable Starter motor Front motor mount bracket Bending braces Torque converter dust shield Oil pan
   
   
   Fig. Oil pan mounting bolt tightening sequence-3.0L engine
   

To install:

1. Clean the oil pan all mating surfaces.
2. Apply RTV gasket material to the oil pan.
3. Install or connect the following:
   Oil pan. Tighten the bolts in sequence to 50 inch lbs. (6 Nm). Torque converter dust shield Bending braces Front motor mount bracket Starter motor Negative battery cable
4. Fill the crankcase to the correct level.
5. Start the engine, check for leaks and repair if necessary.
   

3.3L & 3.8L Engines

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Drain the engine oil.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   Negative battery cable Engine oil dipstick Drive belt splash shield Strut to transaxle attaching bolt and loosen the strut to engine attaching bolts Transaxle case cover Oil pan fasteners Oil pan and gasket

To install:

1. Clean the oil pan and all mating surfaces.
2. Apply a 1 / 8 inch bead of gasket material at the parting line of the chain case cover and the real seal retainer.
3. Install or connect the following:
   New gasket on the oil pan Oil pan. Torque the bolts to 105 inch lbs. (12 Nm). Transaxle case cover All bending brace bolts Drive belt splash shield Engine oil dipstick Negative battery cable
4. Fill the crankcase to the correct level.
5. Start the engine, check for leaks and repair if necessary.

Hope helps (remember rated this).

put it at top dead center, also when you remove the cover rotate until mark on crank gear lines up with mark on oil pump housing ,it right behind the gear, also you will see notches on the cam gears and the rear cover those should also line up when crank gear is aligned, sometime marks on cams are 180 degrees off which just means crank has to be turn one more time, then double mark gears that all, good luck.

• Jack up the front of the Dodge Durango, and install a jack stand. Block the rear wheels.
• Remove the oil plug and let the oil drain into a pan, being sure to remove as much of the old oil as possible.
• Loosen the bolts holding the oil pan with a socket wrench, and remove the bolts with your fingers. Remove the oil filter, starter motor, cooler lines, oil level sensor, heated oxygen sensor connector and exhaust y-pipe, and then take off the oil pan.
• Scrape off the old gasket with a thin putty knife, being very careful not to scrape the surface. Be sure all of the old gasket is removed, then wipe the surface with solvent. Spread a bit of oil on the surface to promote adhesion, and apply the new gasket.
• Replace the oil pan, exhaust y-pipe, heated oxygen sensor connector, oil level sensor, cooler lines and starter motor, and install a new oil filter.
• Raise the vehicle slightly with the jack and slide out the jack stand before lowering the vehicle and removing the jacks.
• Fill the engine with the appropriate amount of oil. Check the level with the dipstick to be sure you have the right amount.

Good luck and hope this helps.

This MAY seem Strange But It IS ALL necessary for Oil Pump Replacement. And Please Don't Forget to Rate Me as Most Folks Do Not. Thank You and GOOD LUCK with the Oil Pump Job Also


OIL PUMP
It is necessary to remove the oil pan, oil pickup and chain case cover to service the oil pump rotors. The oil pump pressure relief valve can be serviced by removing the oil pan and oil pickup tube. Refer to Timing Chain Cover Removal and Installation for procedures.

DISASSEMBLY

1. To remove the relief valve, proceed as follows:
2. Drill a 3.175 mm (1/8 inch) hole into the relief valve retainer cap and insert a self-threading sheet metal screw into cap.

1. Clamp screw into a vise and while supporting chain case cover, remove cap by tapping chain case cover using a soft hammer. Discard retainer cap and remove spring and relief valve.
2. Remove oil pump cover screws, and lift off cover.
3. Remove pump rotors.

1. Wash all parts in a suitable solvent and inspect carefully for damage or wear.

Oil Pump Assembly

1. Assemble pump, using new parts as required. Install the inner rotor with chamfer facing the cast iron oil pump cover.
2. Tighten cover screws to 12 Nm (105 inch lbs.).
3. Prime oil pump before installation by filling rotor cavity with engine oil.
4. Install chain case cover. Refer to Timing Chain Cover Installation.

REMOVAL of Timing cover
REMOVAL

1. Disconnect negative cable from battery.
2. Remove timing chain cover.

REMOVAL Of Oil Pan to gain Access to OIL PUMP

1. Disconnect negative cable from battery and remove engine oil dipstick.
2. Raise vehicle on hoist and drain engine oil.
3. Remove bending brace to transaxle attaching bolt.
4. Remove bolts attaching dust cover to transaxle housing. Lower dust cover to gain access to oil pan bolts.
5. Remove oil pan screws and remove oil pan.

INSTALLATION

1. Clean surfaces and apply a 1/8 inch bead of Mopar (R) Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent, at the parting line of the chain case cover and the rear seal retainer.
   1. Use a new pan gasket.
   2. Install pan and tighten screws to 12 Nm (105 inch lbs.).
   3. Install dust shield and bending brace to transaxle housing.
   4. Lower vehicle and install oil dipstick.
   5. Connect negative cable to battery.
   6. Fill crankcase with oil to proper level.

This Is A Fairly SIMPLE Procedure The IMPORTANT Thing is To Use Generous Amount of Sealant and Allow Plenty of TIME for Sealant to CURE After Pan is On and Tightened Over Night At Liest


REMOVAL

1. Disconnect negative cable from battery and remove engine oil dipstick.
2. Raise vehicle on hoist and drain engine oil.
3. Remove bending brace to transaxle attaching bolt.
4. Remove bolts attaching dust cover to transaxle housing. Lower dust cover to gain access to oil pan bolts.
5. Remove oil pan screws and remove oil pan.

INSTALLATION

1. Clean surfaces and apply a 1/8 inch bead of Mopar(R) Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent, at the parting line of the chain case cover and the rear seal retainer.
   1. Use a new pan gasket.
   2. Install pan and tighten screws to 12 Nm (105 in. lbs.).
   3. Install dust shield and bending brace to transaxle housing.
   4. Lower vehicle and install oil dipstick.
   5. Connect negative cable to battery.
   6. Fill crankcase with oil to proper level.

Happy Motoring and Have A Great Day . Also Please Dont Forget to RATE Me Thank You Very Much,rejakwilson

Bet cha five bucks you have a blown head gasket. Head is likely warped as well! Like the man says TOAST!!!!
If you do swap engines, flush and drain trans fluid... It's likely overheated and garbage as well.