Chrysler Repair: cam sprockets interchangeable: pt cruiser engine, cam sprockets, interference issues

Question
QUESTION: can the exhaust cam sproket be switched with the intake cam sproket and if so will it affect the timming

ANSWER: Hi Luke,
I don't know for certain. You could see if they are indentical parts at a dealer parts counter. Just inspect the two sprockets carefully. If they are mechanically identical then the only issue would be the location of the timing marks engraved on the surfaces. If you compensated for any such differences by hand marking timing marks in the proper location then it would be ok I suspect. But I don't have any experience with this issue.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: should there be tension on the cam sprokets without the belt being on  it seems alittle tight to turn by hand and the only way i can get the timing marks to align is if i hold it in place with a wrench otherwise it the intake cam moves forward and will not stay in place  please note it seems theres good compression on the tdc 1 stroke so it seems as if the valves are closed

Answer
Hi Luke,
I believe because there is 'interference' issues between valve intake and exhaust valves, so you can't turn one with turning the other. If they are far out of synch then you may have to remove one of the cam shaft and reinsert in such a manner that it is close to being in the correct configuration with the other shaft. You are probably feeling the valves interfering with one another. Let me know which engine you have and I will check the manual for specifics.
Roland