Dodge 5.7 HEMI Camshaft Timing Mark Diagram
2011-2017 5.7 HEMI VVT timing-chain mark guide with cam/phaser 12 o'clock, crank mark 6 o'clock and zero-tolerance warnings.
For the cited 2011-2017 5.7L HEMI VVT procedure, align the marked chain links with the cam phaser timing marks at 12 o'clock, and align the crankshaft sprocket mark with its marked chain link at 6 o'clock. Engage the camshaft dowel with the phaser slot while sliding the crank sprocket fully into position. Mopar calls this a zero-tolerance engine: incorrect alignment can cause severe piston-to-valve damage.
Cam timing determines when the valves move relative to piston position. On the 5.7L HEMI VVT, being one tooth or one keyway wrong can produce poor compression, a no-start, or piston-to-valve contact. The marks must be identified on the actual sprockets before the chain is installed.
This VVT procedure places the cam-chain references at 12 o'clock and the crank reference at 6 o'clock. The cam phaser is not a plain fixed sprocket; its slot must engage the cam dowel correctly.
The interactive diagram is a preparation and verification controller. Use the physical drawing supplied with the exact timing set for tooth-level placement, because multi-keyway crank gears, variable cam phasers and replacement sprockets can carry extra dots, triangles or part-number marks that are not timing references.
Interactive 5.7L HEMI VVT cam-timing workflow
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Follow the installation stages in order. The clock positions describe the front-facing sprocket marks, not ignition timing at the harmonic balancer.
Dodge 5.7 Hemi Camshaft Timing Mark Diagram
| APPLICATION / ITEM | SPECIFICATION | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Cam/phaser marks | 12 o'clock | Align to marked chain links |
| Crank sprocket mark | 6 o'clock | Align to marked chain link |
| Engine type | Zero-tolerance | Incorrect timing can damage engine |
| Cam location | Dowel into phaser slot | Must fully engage |
Chain-link colors can vary with the replacement set; identify the specially marked links and sprocket marks using the supplied figure rather than relying on color names alone.
How to use this specification correctly
- 01
Confirm engine code, model year, camshaft, timing cover and timing-set part number. Read the entire service or component procedure before rotating either shaft.
- 02
Disconnect the battery, drain fluids required by the vehicle procedure and support accessories safely. Keep dirt, gasket debris and coolant out of the oil pan and open engine.
- 03
Before chain removal, rotate the assembled engine to the source-specified timing position and photograph every mark, keyway and colored link. Do not rotate crank and cam independently on an interference engine.
- 04
Inspect the crank key, cam dowel or phaser locator, sprocket teeth, chain rollers, guides, tensioner, thrust plate and oiling passages. Replace damaged parts as a matched system.
- 05
Hold the cam phaser with the chain installed on its marked links, place the chain over the partially installed crank sprocket and align the crank mark/link at 6 o'clock.
- 06
Align phaser slot to cam dowel and slide the phaser and crank sprocket into their seated positions together; install the retaining bolt and tensioning hardware exactly as Mopar directs.
- 07
Apply only the specified lubricant and thread treatment. Tighten the sprocket fasteners with the documented holding method; never use the timing chain itself as a counterhold.
- 08
Release or install the tensioner exactly as directed, then rotate the crankshaft slowly by hand through at least two complete revolutions. Stop immediately if resistance rises unexpectedly.
- 09
Return to the verification position and confirm sprocket marks, mechanical clearance and cam end play. Colored chain links may not return to the marks after only two crank revolutions, so judge the final check by the manual's sprocket-mark rule.
- 10
Prime the oiling system when required, reinstall covers and the correct balancer/pointer combination, then verify oil pressure and ignition/cam correlation after startup.
Which timing marks apply
This VVT procedure places the cam-chain references at 12 o'clock and the crank reference at 6 o'clock. The cam phaser is not a plain fixed sprocket; its slot must engage the cam dowel correctly.
Earlier 2003-2008 non-VVT HEMI timing parts are not covered by a 2011-2017 VVT Stage 2 sheet. Confirm year, vehicle and phaser before using the diagram.
Installation and verification method
Hold the cam phaser with the chain installed on its marked links, place the chain over the partially installed crank sprocket and align the crank mark/link at 6 o'clock.
Align phaser slot to cam dowel and slide the phaser and crank sprocket into their seated positions together; install the retaining bolt and tensioning hardware exactly as Mopar directs.
Critical mistakes to avoid
- Using a VVT diagram on an early non-VVT HEMI
- Aligning by link color without identifying marked links
- Failing to engage the cam dowel
- Rotating a zero-tolerance engine against resistance
- Reusing a procedure or fastener outside its stated model-year range
Cam timing is not ignition timing
Sprocket marks phase the camshaft to the crankshaft. A balancer and pointer are used later to set or verify ignition timing. Aligning chain dots does not establish the distributor's No. 1 terminal or program an ECU cam offset.
On a four-stroke engine the crank rotates twice for one cam revolution. A dot-over-dot chain-installation position may place cylinder 1 on overlap rather than its firing stroke; identify compression TDC separately before installing a distributor or routing ignition wires.
Pre-start checklist
- Correct keyway and timing symbols selected
- Cam dowel/phaser slot fully engaged
- Chain tight on the drive side as specified
- Guides and tensioner installed and released
- Fasteners torqued with correct thread treatment
- Cam end play/clearance checked
- Two slow crank revolutions completed
- Sprocket marks rechecked at verification position
- Oil system primed where required
Dodge / Ram / Chrysler 5.7L HEMI VVT specifications can change by model year, engine, platform, wheel, and installed component. Confirm the VIN or engine identity, part numbers, fastener condition, and the current manufacturer instructions before service.
Dodge 5.7 HEMI Camshaft Timing Mark Diagram FAQs
Where are 5.7 HEMI VVT timing marks?+
In the cited 2011-2017 procedure, cam/phaser chain marks are at 12 o'clock and the crank sprocket mark/chain link is at 6 o'clock.
Is the 5.7 HEMI an interference engine?+
Mopar calls the cited application zero-tolerance and warns that incorrect chain alignment can cause severe engine damage.
Should the colored chain links line up again after two rotations?+
Not necessarily. Link-tooth counts determine when colored links repeat. After hand rotation, use the sprocket alignment and verification procedure stated by the service manual.
Can the crankshaft be turned with the timing chain removed?+
Do not do so unless the exact service procedure places the pistons safely and explicitly permits it. GM and Mopar procedures warn of piston-to-valve damage.
Should an aftermarket cam be degreed?+
Yes when its manufacturer or the engine build requires it. Dot alignment establishes the selected keyway position; degree-wheel measurement verifies the cam's actual installed centerline.
Technical sources
TorqueSheet favors engine- and component-specific manufacturer instructions over unsourced universal values.
1Mopar 2011-2017 5.7L HEMI Stage 2 installation instructionsMopar reproduces the 5.7L timing-chain procedure, identifies the engine as zero-tolerance and shows cam-chain marks at 12 o'clock and crank-chain mark at 6 o'clock.↗