97 5.9, timing chain cover gasket is leaking, water pump is not bad. i've gotten 3 estimates from 3 of the shops i use locally and they range from $350-$450. I havnt decided if im actually going to take it to one of them or maybe do it myself, BUT neither option can be done for about 2 weeks.

my back up LeBaron just died so Im forced to drive the truck. If i keep it full of water and just drive it to work a few miles each day is that going to cause any major damage? Will the gasket eventually get worse and just dump water out?

Also, i know i should change the pump and timing chain while im at it. Is this a giant job to do in a driveway with no power tools? Thanks

 

Shouldnt be too bad with a trusty Chiltons manual.

 

Should be fine, keep an eye on your coolant temperature, and your engine oil. Hopefully your leaking out of the same place I did which is the TOP of the two timing chain cover holes which leaks engine coolant outside of the cover and not into it. I just did this and it really was a breeze. Hardest part was getting the fan off and keeping the bolts in order of where they go as they have different sizes and wrong size in the wrong hole = leak. Check out all the pics I did when i replaced it should give you an idea of how difficult it will be.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...0-sport-7.html

 

oh and you need to rent a harmonic balancer puller. The one with the bolts (20$), NOT the one that grabs on the outsides that will mess it up. Make sure to get timing chain gasket, water pump gasket, rtv copper sealant, the new seal for the timing chain cover, harmonic balancer puller, engine coolant (as you gotta drain it), and a good set of sockets. Give yourself a full day to do it and you should be fine. Might think of replacing your thermostat and thermostat gasket while your in there too.

Edit: DONT PRY ON TIMING CHAIN CASE OR ANY MACHINED MATING SURFACES. or else you will get leaks

 

I would buy a new bypass hose and some grey coolant rtv for the black metal tube that you will have to extract from the water pump. If you can't get the black metal tube out, the HELP! brand has a direct replacement, might not be a bad idea to buy one and have it on hand just in case. Take it back if you don't need it.

Buy 2 jugs of coolant and 2 gallons of distilled water, the timing chain cover connects to the water block and will dump more coolant when you remove the bolts.

 

Thanks for the tips. Is there any particular water pump I should get? The cheaper the better (pricewise). And I know I should get a double roller timing chain, does it matter what kind/brand?

In the meantime, my 5.9 has always ran around 200 degrees, is that OK or should it be closer to 180?

 

Just get a solid replacement pump with the best warranty you can afford.

The chain will stretch no matter what one you get, thats just the nature of our 59* blocks, long chain, get for stroking the engine, bad for chains. There is a chain tensioner you can buy to replace the thrust plate that will fix the problem until the chain physically breaks. A cloyes double roller chain will do you fine. You'll notice an immediate improvement in your engine after replacing the chain.

 

What's a duende?

Timing gasket set comes with all the gaskets you need. Runs about 25 bucks.

Get a GOOD water pump, as suggested above, else, you will get to replace it again in a year.

The job really isn't that bad. I was slow at it, and it took me maybe a total of four hours working time. All you need is basic hand tools, and the aforementioned puller.

The leak WILL get worse........

 

i got my water pump from carquest and it was NEW not reman, and cost me about $90 bucks with a 3 year warrentee....


and do the chain and gasket yourself....can be done in about 3-4 hours.....VERY VERY simple...

 

This was a weekend project for me. On the note of that tube thats in the water pump thats PITA to get out. I literally tried for an hour to get it out with no luck. Then i PB Blastered the *(@$ out of it and let it sit over night in the morning gave it a twist and pull and it came RIGHT off.