Application: 2019-later Silverado/Sierra trucks with 3.0L Diesel (RPO LM2)
We’ve recreated the hard-to-find EN-52445 and GM-52445 and have renamed it (Idaho Fabrication) IF-52445
The tool may vary slightly from the photos as we make updates to the design.
(You may want to purchase (EN-52586) IF-52486 Crank Holding Pin along with this tool)
On the 3.0L Duramax Diesel (RPO LM2) engine, the camshafts are housed within a ladder assembly that is installed and removed as a complete unit onto the cylinder head. This ladder assembly is secured with M6 fasteners, which are insufficient for drawing the assembly into place. The IF-52445 tool is essential for this process. It includes an alignment bridge to maintain camshaft timing, an adjustment plate to secure the camshaft trigger wheel (reluctor) in the correct position, and a remover/installer plate with necessary hardware.
We recommend starting all bolts by hand and not tightening any of the M6 bolts more than hand tight (remember it is only an M6 it doesn’t need over-tightened). Snug is plenty.
Timing Procedure: To set the timing, the adjustment plate is placed on the camshaft ends, engaging the trigger wheel. The bridge is then installed over the flats of both intake and exhaust camshafts and secured to the cylinder head if the ladder assembly remains in place.
Removal/Installation Procedure: For ladder assembly removal, the remover and installer plate is first attached to the ladder assembly. The bridge is then fastened to this plate, securing the camshafts. J-43301 remover handles (available separately) are attached to the plate, allowing for safe removal once the ladder assembly fasteners are detached. For installation, these handles are used to precisely position the ladder assembly with the IF-52445 tool in place. Dedicated bolts included with the IF-52445 tool are then inserted through the plate into the cylinder head and evenly tightened to seat the ladder assembly. (tighten the M8 x1.25 according to torque specifications or guidelines.)
Once the ladder assembly is correctly seated, its original fasteners can be installed, and the timing is set. Using unapproved methods risks damage to the valvetrain or cylinder head components.
To ensure the quality of this tool, Idaho Fabrication has purchased a 3.0L GM Duramax cylinder head and installs each tool by hand to ensure the correct alignment and fit. We have also compared the fit of our tools to the original EN-52445 to ensure quality.
That being said, Idaho Fabrication will not be held liable for misuse of the tool, and holds both the individual shop(s) and or technician(s) responsible for ensuring the correct timing of the engine.
We don’t put a warranty on these tools but figure there isn’t much that can go wrong with them…they are made out of metal and if not abused should last a very long time. (If you have any problems, reach out to us…as long as you are a nice person, we’ll more than likely take care of you!)
Also, please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions on how to use the tool or questions about the job you’re working on. We’ll do our best to help wherever we can. A personal thanks for your support, and we hope this tool helps you get your job done well.
