Cam housing question
 

As a man I hate to ask for help, but I'm really new at this engine rebuilding thing and so I will. I am rebuilding a 2.4 MFI engine and my question is on the cam housings. I purchased an extra set somewhere along the line and I can't tell what pair should actually be used.

I have mounted the RS as our host's book indicates. Now when I began to mount the LS I notice that "some" of the cam housings have a metal insert on the back of them and some do not. Obviously, the oil return tubes go into the openings, so orientation isn't an issue. I am nervous that I may have installed them incorrectly or used incorrect cam housings for my application. (Never thought of marking them left and right when removed)

The openings that allow the camshaft to be inserted open into the cam housing with the tensioner, but what about the back or the side closest to the transmission?

one housing has an opening on the "back" or transmission side for the longer cam that supports the MFI pulley. the other cam housing is plugged.

Bill, Thanks for the quick reply. Do you know for sure which side should be plugged? and can the plug be put into a cam housing?

The right side is plugged. I imagine that the plugs can be purchased and pressed in rather easily, but I have not done it personally.

Found this for the plug, but not sure it's the same for your year.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/images/engine/1-3-1-8.jpg

part no. A-105-161-01

In addition to what Bill said, the oil feed line fittings for each cam carrier should be next to the fan housing.
The big end plugs are available and easy to install. Factory part # is 930 105 161 00.
-Chris

Should I seal this enclosure against potential leaks and if so what product is recommended?

I used some Loctite 518 (available from NAPA). I would not use any sort of RTV.
-Chris

Chris & Bill,

I removed the RS and installed both LS and RS on their proper sides and it is suprizing how easy to see how I could get this messed up. I will try to post a pic of the completed longblock later this evening. Many thank you's for helping me with this dilema. Thanks to PP and Pelican's own "W" for this great resource.

PC