I dont suppose there is an easy way to check the cam timing on my 99 Ram 2500?? I have seen the posts regarding timing chain stretch and am begining to wonder if thats what I've got going on. The truck has not had any power since I bought it a year ago. I have checked everything fuel and ignition related. It has the 360 in it and is gutless! I am not joking when I say that it will BARELY spin tires in gravel!My wife is on her 3rd Durango(one with the 360, a318 and the 4.7)andthis is the second Ram I have had with this engine and was quite happy with the last one's performance. I dont want or need to drag race, but I do need to merge on the interstate with a 6000 pound trailer behind me and let me tell you, its freakin scarey! So, my question is this, if the chain has stretched, can this be the cause? I have no indication that I have the "death flash" (no decals on the PCM or hood/door panels). Any help is appreciated.

 

pull the drivers side valve cover and spin the motor over and see when the #1 valve opens in relation to the timing marks on the harmonic balancer....thats the easiest way to check for timing chain stretch....you will need a 32mm socket....

 

If you have an assistant, you can also pull the distributor cap and watch how the button moves when you turn the crank. Turn the crank clockwise to take the slack out of the chain, then slowly spin it counterclockwise and note how far you can turn it before the button moves. This way is a bit easier, but the method mentioned above (with a dial indicator) is more accurate. Mopar performance ought to be able to give you the specs on when the #1 intakevalve should start to open.

 

OK, I'll do some checking. When taking off the dist. cap, how much slack is accaeptable? Any at all? If , in fact, the chain has some slack and I do replace the chain and gears, would it be worth looking intoa different cam? How difficult is a cam swap? Any recomendations?