Just a comment on the procedure outlined below.
If the timing chain and sprockets are intact, go ahead and rotate the crank
and line up the marks already on the sprockets ( even the factory uses
them). This will reduce the time spent in centering the camshaft and crank
seperately. Of course this only works if the timing system in place is
still intact and you are only going to replace the timing chain and
sprockets.
Just my two cents.
Smitty - KF4UQY
Raleigh, NC
'92 Dak, Shrtbd
96000+
-----Original Message-----
From: William Hatch [SMTP:wkhesq@worldnet.att.net]
Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 1997 8:55 PM
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
Cc: thinknet@mindspring.com
Subject: DML: engine timing chains/belts
Bruce,
Timing chain replacement is no big deal. You absolutely must get the
engine's #1 cylinder on TDC. Remove all the accessories off the front of
the engine. remove the water pump and timing case cover and take off the
top gear (probably plastic). You then watch three things all at the same
time as you, by hand, roll over the engine. First, remove the spark
plugs, insert a drinking straw into the #1 cylinder and by hand turn the
engine over until #1 comes up to the top. As you roll over the engine,
the rotor in the distributor will cometo the #1 spot, and on the front
pully or vibration dampner, you will see the groove in the dampner come
up and line up with the timing marks. The new chain and gears will have
marks, notches or the woodruf keyway and any basic service manual will
tell you how they relate to one another. Most dealerships will give you
copies of the pages from their service manual so you will have the right
data in front of you. Just do not force anything.
I do not know which engine you have but the above applies to cam in
block engines. If you have an OHC, the principles are the same, but
their will be a hydraulic (from the oil pressure) or spring loaded
tensioner that hasto be backed off.
You can contact me direct at wkhesq@worldnet.att.net and we can go on
the side and talk on a land line to get you through it, if necessary.
Remember though, if you get to a point where you are not "happy
wrenching" go have a soda or a brew, or go out to dinner with the wife
with the $ you will be saving by doing the job yourself.
WKH
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