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luckysofar
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2005
12:17:01
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 Subject: Timing chain
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Message:
I have a '96 3.9 V-6 with 150k miles. I've never serviced the timing chain. Is this something I should do even tho I don't have any problems? I've heard that if it breaks while running I might as well kiss the engine goodbye.
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Yes
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2005
13:09:58
|  RE: Timing chain
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Message:
yeah i would do it to be safe. i have a 97 v6 dak and i just had it replaced at 93k, shop said it was about to go bye bye. you probably should to be safe, better a couple hundred now than a couple thousand later when you replace the engine...
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Dan M
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2005
14:15:07
| RE: Timing chain
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I agree with yes. Use a double roller or single and tensioner. I recall someone on here used the double and tensioner for added security.
There's a howto on this website if you want to do it yourself.
- Dan M
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luckysofar
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2005
14:45:01
| RE: Timing chain
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Thanks Dan. Can you point me in the right direction for the howto? I'd like to give it a shot.
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racerX
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2005
14:53:24
| RE: Timing chain
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dodgedakotas.com, main page, check out the 'how to, timing chain & tensioner.'
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luckysofar
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2005
16:25:09
| RE: Timing chain
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Whooooo... Looks like this is MUCH more complicated than I care to dive into. I'm sure I could REALLY screw this up! I think I'll call around to a couple of my favorite local shops and get some estimates. Thanks for the help.
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cuzindoug
GenIII
12/10/2005
20:52:39
| RE: Timing chain
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Message:
The how to on the main page goes into detail because it also explains degreeing your cam, advancing timing, etc. The actual replacement of the timing chain is time consuming but fairly easy. The tools you will need are: 15mm socket on 1/2in drive ratchet(to take tension off of the belt), the following socket sizes 1/2in, 9/16in, 10mm, 1 1/4in. The you'll need a puller to get the harmonic balancer off($25 at advance auto), and finally gasket scrappers(or knife). Take the accesories off(a/c, alternator), take the bracket off, remove the fan, remove the radiator cowling, remove the water pump and hoses, remove the harmonic balancer and pulley, remove the timing chain cover(don't tear the oil pan gasket). Now set your TDC since it is easy to see. The crank sproket will pretty much come off by hand, but use your puller and remove the cam shaft sprocket first, and the entire assembly(both sprockets and chain) will come off. Align your TDC marked and replace the timing set...reverse order...VIOLA!! I did this, changed my intake manifold out, and installed an electric fan in about 9 hours on a saturday, so just the chain should take you the same if not significantly less. Good luck whatever your choice.
If it ain't broke, fix it til it is.
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JJ
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2005
22:30:11
| RE: Timing chain
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luckysofar, as cuzindoug stated, you have to remove the water pump to get to the timing chain. If your engine has 150k miles on it, this would be a great time to replace the pump if it is the original. It will save you a lot of work later. You may also want to consider a new front crankshaft seal while you have the timing cover removed.
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ScojoDak
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2005
22:36:06
| RE: Timing chain
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Replace the little rubber bypass hose too while the water pump is off.
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cuzindoug
GenIII
12/10/2005
23:21:14
| RE: Timing chain
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Message:
Like JJ said, water pump, and buy a complete gasket set for the timing chain cover. The Felpro ones come with the timing chain and water pump gaskets, a new seal, and a wearing ring for the harmonic. They even throw in a small tube of "black" gasket sealant. And like ScojoDak said replace the bypass hose AND while you're at it the radiator hoses(with 150K better safe than sorry).
If it ain't broke, fix it til it is.
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csmith
Dodge Dakota
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12/11/2005
14:56:04
| RE: Timing chain
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I have a 96' also 126k and I have a "rattling" noise coming from the front of the motor. Mine is going in to the shop in another week for other problems as well, I am just going to bite the bullet and have the timing chain replaced too. My last truck was a 92' S-10 4.3 v-6 and I sold it with 214k on it and never replaced the timing chain, never considered it, truck always ran great, and I guess I can't figure out why these 3.9's eat up these chains so fast, and why dodge wouldn't put tensioners on these chains. I just wonder how much longer they would last if a tensioner is used. Just dodge cutting coners I guess.
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Dan M
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/11/2005
16:10:24
| RE: Timing chain
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Message:
The rattling noise is probably the timing chain. The 3.9Ls are know for that. The later models do come with a tensioner. Not position when they started.
- Dan M
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cuzindoug
GenIII
12/11/2005
17:23:03
| RE: Timing chain
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Message:
They started to install the tensioners late model year 97...after mine was made of course!!
If it ain't broke, fix it til it is.
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