4.7 Timing chain Install Tips and tricks
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From: Minnesota
4.7 Timing chain Install Tips and tricks
I helped my Dad replace the timing chains on his 2002 Dakota with 225,000 miles. Here are my thoughts, comments and suggestions.
1) Did it even need to be done? Maybe? The original chain was stretched a little bit. The guides wore worn. The gears were just fine.
2) Its easy to tell if you need JTEC or NGC chain sets. Look at the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) If it has 3 plugs on it, its a JTEC timed engine. 4 plugs and its NGC.
3) All that really needed to be changed was the chains and guides. The teeth on the original Gears where in perfect shape.
4) Drain the oil and leave the plug out. At least a pint of coolant will go into the oil pan when the timing cover is broken loose.
5) The radiator doesn't have to be removed. But, it really helps to remove the radiator top support cross member. As a side note, if the radiator is still original, just replace it now. Perfect time to access it. Plus having the radiator out makes it easier to access the harmonic balancer and confirm chain timing.
6) Use an air chisel to remove the radiator fan. A few hits on the very edge of the nut, and it is loose. BTW: This nut is standard right hand thread. So is the harmonic balancer.
7) To remove the harmonic balancer, watch the You Tube video made by Patrick Miller "Removing Harmonic Balancer 2004 Dodge RAM". Do that just as he shows!
8) When removing the timing chain cover itself, at least a 1/2 gallon of coolant will come out really fast (see note #4)
9) Label every timing chain cover bolt. There are 14 of them and many are different sizes.
10) Removing and installing the valve covers is so much easier with two people.
11) Its not necessary to remove the AC compressor. If you don't, you have to hang it up and work around it. Next time, I may remove the compressor and just recharge the AC system.
12) Installing the timing chain is much easier with two people.
13) Buy or rent a harmonic balancer installation tool. Its free to rent this tool at some auto parts stores. You will need fresh oil and filter any way. Get the tool while you are at the store!!
14) Its a 2 day job.
15) If you rotate the engine to TDC with the V8 mark(s) on the cam shaft gears straight up, it would be hard to get the timing wrong on re-assembly. Remove the spark plugs first. BTW: The cam shafts will turn when you remove the gears. That may scare you. But, don't worry about it. Have your helper turn the cam shaft to the proper position during re-assembly (see note #12).
16) Parts and tools absolutely needed: Timing chain set (could be without gears), timing chain cover gasket, crankshaft seal), valve cover gaskets, Spark plugs, oil, oil filter, coolant, gear puller, harmonic balancer installation tool, 21mm impact socket and 1/2" impact wrench (oh, an air impact chisel came in handy too).
There was not a-lot of clear information on what needed to be done or any helpful advice. So this was written up in hopes it can help some one out.
1) Did it even need to be done? Maybe? The original chain was stretched a little bit. The guides wore worn. The gears were just fine.
2) Its easy to tell if you need JTEC or NGC chain sets. Look at the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) If it has 3 plugs on it, its a JTEC timed engine. 4 plugs and its NGC.
3) All that really needed to be changed was the chains and guides. The teeth on the original Gears where in perfect shape.
4) Drain the oil and leave the plug out. At least a pint of coolant will go into the oil pan when the timing cover is broken loose.
5) The radiator doesn't have to be removed. But, it really helps to remove the radiator top support cross member. As a side note, if the radiator is still original, just replace it now. Perfect time to access it. Plus having the radiator out makes it easier to access the harmonic balancer and confirm chain timing.
6) Use an air chisel to remove the radiator fan. A few hits on the very edge of the nut, and it is loose. BTW: This nut is standard right hand thread. So is the harmonic balancer.
7) To remove the harmonic balancer, watch the You Tube video made by Patrick Miller "Removing Harmonic Balancer 2004 Dodge RAM". Do that just as he shows!
8) When removing the timing chain cover itself, at least a 1/2 gallon of coolant will come out really fast (see note #4)
9) Label every timing chain cover bolt. There are 14 of them and many are different sizes.
10) Removing and installing the valve covers is so much easier with two people.
11) Its not necessary to remove the AC compressor. If you don't, you have to hang it up and work around it. Next time, I may remove the compressor and just recharge the AC system.
12) Installing the timing chain is much easier with two people.
13) Buy or rent a harmonic balancer installation tool. Its free to rent this tool at some auto parts stores. You will need fresh oil and filter any way. Get the tool while you are at the store!!
14) Its a 2 day job.
15) If you rotate the engine to TDC with the V8 mark(s) on the cam shaft gears straight up, it would be hard to get the timing wrong on re-assembly. Remove the spark plugs first. BTW: The cam shafts will turn when you remove the gears. That may scare you. But, don't worry about it. Have your helper turn the cam shaft to the proper position during re-assembly (see note #12).
16) Parts and tools absolutely needed: Timing chain set (could be without gears), timing chain cover gasket, crankshaft seal), valve cover gaskets, Spark plugs, oil, oil filter, coolant, gear puller, harmonic balancer installation tool, 21mm impact socket and 1/2" impact wrench (oh, an air impact chisel came in handy too).
There was not a-lot of clear information on what needed to be done or any helpful advice. So this was written up in hopes it can help some one out.
