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RollingMammal
Dodge Dakota
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11/26/2002
01:38:35
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 Subject: Timing help please!
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I just bought a '98 Dak 4x4 5.2L and I'm wondering how long the timing device typically lasts. Is it a chain or a belt? The previous owner says it was replaced but I am fairly confident he is mistaken and I think it was only the serpantine (sp) belt that was repalced. I will be quite suprised if the serp incorperates timing. I will be getting a manual, but for now can someone tell me, does this engine use a chain or a belt? Also typically how long does the chain/belt last. I have 93k miles and I'm thinking it needs to get changed ASAP. Also, if it does need to be replaced, should I go stock again or aftermarket? Thanks for any info.
-Dave-
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Jeffro
Dodge Dakota
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11/26/2002
13:48:25
| RE: Timing help please!
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The 5.2 uses a timing chain. Most people just wait until they rebuild the engine to replace it, though a manual will tell you how to check if it needs to be replaced. Also, if you were doing any service requiring the removal of front cover, you might as well replace it.
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rtdkota
R/T
11/26/2002
14:11:23
| RE: Timing help please!
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Message:
The timing chain should last quite a while-- BUT it will have a lot of stretch in it... Mine was pretty bad a 55k miles.
Will it fail on you??? Probably not... Is it a good idea to change it?? Well, yes... but as long as you drive like a normal person, and not Don Prudome... you should be fine. Otherwise-- plan on getting a good double roller chain (JP chain from KRC), go for a new water pump too since you are in their-- a crank seal, a new timing cover seal... Change all of your water hoses (especially the by-pass hose on the water pump)-- a new T-stat--
** optional **
Go ahead and pull that stock cam out, throw in something really good, plob on a set of RT heads, Crower rockers, Crower titanium retainers and cups, Crower roller lifters---
Oh wait, that's what I did. Sorry.
:)
Sam
RTDKOTA
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HSKR
Dodge Dakota
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11/26/2002
15:01:25
| RE: Timing help please!
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It's amazinf what all you end up replacing when you only start out replacing a timing chain!! I did the same thing as Sam pretty much. Had a nice double roller timing chain to install and ended up with new big valve heads, Mopar roller rockers, and custom grind cam.
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Todd W
GenIII
11/26/2002
15:17:34
|  RE: Timing help please!
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LOL
That reminds me of my old truck... needed new rings and exhaust valves. Ended up bored .30 over, domed pistons, a rather rough-idling cam, larger valves, Edelbrock intake, and a 650CFM carb, not to mention the new timing chain, valve covers, high-flow oil pump and the like.
$300 turned into $1700 -real- quick. But it was fun and that thing was a blast to drive afterwards!
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RollingMammal
Dodge Dakota
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11/26/2002
18:59:36
| RE: Timing help please!
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Awesome. So I am safe for a while then? I would def like to do it myself but I probably won't have time to dive that far into the engine until summer. I'll probably be between 97 and 100k miles by then. As long as there's not much risk of destroying a set of heads and pistons I feel ok. Is there a Bay Area Dak group that might be able to help me out? I have the garage and probably a good part of the tools. I'm working on my swirls right now with some Meguiar's, but once my baby is acceptable I'll shoot some pics. Thanks fo du info-
-Dave-
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