Can the primary tentioner be changed by just pulling the intake and passenger valve cover, holding the chain guide up with a screwdriver and swap out the tentioner? Seams like its possible and would be a lot easier since thats all I need anyway.

More info:
OK I just bought a 99 intrepid with the 2.7 engine. I bought the car not running and I diagnosed a bad cam sensor and 1 hour after I bought the car it was running. It had sat about 2 years not running. Ok so I have valve train noise. Its not a knock because if you let off the gas at 2500 rpm the noise instantly goes away, this was done in neutral as the car isn't licensed yet although it drives nicely in the parking lot. I haven't changed the oil yet but will do it tonight. Amazingly I don't have a sludge problem, the bottom of the oil cap is clean, the old cam sensor tip was clean, when I look into the valve cover the chain and part of the cam cap that I can see is clean. The dipstick shows no sign of sludge either. I put a little diesel into the oil to remove any hidden sludge because of these engines reputation and the noise got a tiny bit better but I know I need a new primary tentioner. My guess is that the engine was replaced at one time? I know the vehicle has had good care since I found lots of the original receipts for completed recalls and warranty work. The transmission fluid looks brand new and smells like it too, again I am surprised given its a chrysler, not putting chrysler down but I have had lots of bad chrysler transmissions.

 

I'd suggest you buy a copy of Chilton Chrysler LH-Series 1998-2003 Repair Manual to see illustrations and instructions on replacing timing chain tensioners for the 2.7 liter engines. If the engine has been replaced, you may have a 2000 or newer engine in your Intrepid. The 1999 and earlier models have a different tensioner than the 2000 and later 2.7 liter engines. For the 1999 model, the primary timing chain tensioner is held in place using a threaded tensioner housing that is removed with a wrench from the right cylinder head. For the 2000 and later models, the primary tensioner is held in with a bolt and retaining plate on the right cylinder head. Primary timing chain stretch can be checked without major engine disassembly by removing the right valve cover and inspecting the maximum extension of the primary chain tensioner through the cylinder head opening. The tensioner is marked with a maximum wear indicator groove. Since this engine has dual cams, it has two secondary timing chain tensioners. My assumption is that you are intending to replace the primary tensioner.

This engine should be kept clean by using only 5W30 full synthetic oil to prevent the sludging problem that others have experienced. I suggest changing the oil and filter each 3000 miles. Never let the oil get more than about a pint low. My 2000 Intrepid has had this treatment since new. The engine looks whistle clean after 119,000 miles of use (got a look inside when replacing the water pump recently).