Hey guys(and gals)

I have been looking for a video tutorial on how to replace the timing chain and sprockets for a 91 3.9l NONmagnum v6. My ALLDATA account is null. I guess my company let their membership expire recently. If anyone has the ALLDATA information or has found a video on how to do this please let me know.

The issue I'm having is bad detonation/spark knock. I have tried high octane none-ethanol fuel and that didn't help. I have also ran nearly 3 full tanks of Seafoam cleaner threw the system along with the high octane fuel and it still knocks bad. I retarded the distributor all the way down to 3* BTDC and the truck started and ran ok(I drove it at 3*..eeeck) and the knock was milder but still evident under load. I then retarded it all the way down to 0* BTDC and the truck still started but obviously idled like crap. The factory specs for timing on my year Dakota using a timing light is 10* BTDC. The trucks minimum timing to turn over and run is 3* BTDC. ..it definitely should not have turned over and started at 0*. I set the timing back up at about 7* BTDC and let it roll. I'm assuming that this diagnosis stats that the timing chain is stretched??

Thanks ahead of time,

-Travis

 

If the LA is the same as the Magnum in this respect, I have a '93 factory service manual and should be able to take pictures of the step-by-step for you.

 

Heres a TSB just to let you know you should also get the Tensioner add on if you change it. Having never done anything more than a timing belt on a 4cyl I did the TC and Plenum kit on my 3.9. http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1997/09-07-97.htm If you buy from Hughes Engines they will give free phone support. They provided rudimentary instructions for the plenum kit and a link to some guy iwth a V8 who did it. There are differences. One is the shroud won't come off over the fan on the 3.9. Good Luck.