I was installing a new engine oil pan on my car because of a leak. All of the bolts were put back fine, then I had trouble with the two screws on the front, next to the belts. We finally got the screws in but we screwed one too much and it snapped the plate it holds on to . What is this plate called? my car is still leaking and now I believe it is the plate that is the problem. Is this fairly easy to change?

 

If you are talking about the front plate by the pulley that the small bolts went through, then this is the timing chain cover. (if this is a 2.7). If so you got a job a head of you .everything on the front of the motor has to come off. radiator and fans too. what year is this this and whats the milage on it?

 

year and engine will definitely help us out. even more if you could post a pic!!

 

wow I tried to save a penny by doing it myself and ending up costing a dollar. It's a 99, 2.7 motor with about 120k miles.

 

You can try and cheat and get some of that epoxy stuff (p-d weld) and clean up the crack with a degreaser (don't spray it into the crankcase) spray it on a rag and wipe it down.then try to apply the epoxy. You will have to drain the oil first.
Otherwise to do it right everything comes off and and you replace the timing chain cover. While you are there you should replace the water pump, timing chain and tensioner, and oil pump, it's time for that anyways.

 

At the top of the 2nd gen forum is a post called "the Holy Grail." Here is a link https://dodgeforum.com/forum/useless-posts/59082-the-holy-grail.html. It will take you to a site where you can download a shop manual. Go to page 9-67 fig 91 and see item 3. Is this what you are talking about? If not, look thru the manual and let us know a page/fig. or post a photo. As for the oil leak, follow the procedure in the book (use a torque wrench, sealant, finger tight only at first etc) and your leak should go away.

PS What CB1 said is true, it's about time to change the water pump etc as preventative maintenance but if you chose to wait, just mend the crack to ensure the chain area stays free of contaminates and replace it when you get to the pump job (if it is the timing cover that is cracked that is!).