1st Gen Durango 1998 - 2003 Durango's

DIY Timing chain replacement?

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Old Apr 14, 2011 | 10:58 PM
  #11  
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There is a DIY in the main DIY section at the top of the page. Here is the DIY section: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...wers-faqs.html

And here is the specific link: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...d-removal.html
 
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Old Apr 15, 2011 | 10:01 PM
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Photos of the left timing chain. Notice the gap between the chain guide and the chain. Third photo is showing how much I can push the chain down.
 
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Old Apr 15, 2011 | 10:19 PM
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Right side chain was tight against the guide and the tensioner applying tension. Tomorrow begins the tear down
 
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Old Apr 16, 2011 | 12:16 AM
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Ahhhh,

Your welcome for providing the information you needed and asked for.


Have fun. /out
 
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Old Apr 16, 2011 | 10:52 AM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by hydrashocker
Ahhhh,

Your welcome for providing the information you needed and asked for.


Have fun. /out
Thanks. The info is appreciated.
 

Last edited by TennesseeVolsFan; Apr 16, 2011 at 10:59 AM.
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Old Apr 22, 2011 | 11:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Bobman
Hmmm.... the distances aren't as important as the tension is. I suppose it's possible that you caught it just as a tensioner started to fail and the chain was slapping up & down, but you won't really be able to see it without pulling the timing cover.

Consider pulling the drivers valve cover as well and compare the tension on that side. Each side has it's own guides & tensioners, so this may give you some more clues.

If they appear the same, then the only other choice is the third chain, but that's completely buried under the timing cover / other chains. You're already well on your way to a rebuild at that point.

Also, remove your serpentine belt and try turning the engine over *BY HAND* with a socket on the crank bolt. If something is gone south you'll hear it.

4.7's are an "interference fit" engine. If a chain jumps or fails, chances are very good that a piston will hit a valve. You should be able to feel resistance while turning teh motor over by hand. Oh yeah, remove the plugs first so you're not fighting compression.

Keep posting what find, there are a bunch of people on here that can all provide good help.

Bob
Bob,
You were right, it was the one of the secondary chain tensioners. I could compress it with just two fingers. I bought a complete timing set and a new water pump since i've got it a thousand pieces. Thanks to all that have provided input and links.
Respectfully,
Mark
 
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Old Apr 25, 2011 | 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by TennesseeVolsFan
Bob,
You were right, it was the one of the secondary chain tensioners. I could compress it with just two fingers. I bought a complete timing set and a new water pump since i've got it a thousand pieces. Thanks to all that have provided input and links.
Respectfully,
Mark
Mark,

Glad to hear that things worked out for you. We were on vacation in Myrtle Beach for the week so I missed the thread updates. Good call on changing the water pump out, it's the smart thing to do. You may want to do the thermostat and lower hose while you're at it also as they're both a pain to get to and are cheap items.

Bob
 
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Old Jun 5, 2011 | 01:44 PM
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I also have the noise coming from the passenger side valve cover. I already replaced the idler and tensioner pulleys and the alternator. I disconnected the belt and still had the noise. I am unclear if Tennesseevolsfan needed to replaced the timing chains or just the tensioner. Can the tensioner be accessed without pulling the front of the motor or from the valve cover? I'd like to avoid stripping the front of the motor if possible. Any information or hints would be welcome!!
 
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Old Jun 6, 2011 | 07:56 AM
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Originally Posted by dmeray1
Can the tensioner be accessed without pulling the front of the motor or from the valve cover? I'd like to avoid stripping the front of the motor if possible. Any information or hints would be welcome!!
No, unfortunately you have to pull the front of the motor to get to the tensioners. This includes power steering pump, A/C, intake manifold, harmonic balancer, water pump, fan, and timing cover. A long process but not terribly difficult. Make sure to take pictures / mark all the bolts, especially the timing cover ones, because they're different lengths.

Bob
 
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Old Jun 6, 2011 | 08:24 AM
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Is there a kit that includes all the needed gaskets and parts? By the way, it sounds like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPhV50rIspQ
 
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