I'm having to replace the water pump on my '96 1500 318, planning on doing timing chain while I'm at it. From what I've read here it sounds like finding TDC and lining up the gears is easier than my Haynes manual says it is. Am I missing something? What procedure do you guys recommend?

 

When you have the timing cover off, look at the gears, they will have the alignment marks as well. Just line 'em up, and put the new ones on the same way, and DON'T move anything while gears/chain are off. Incredibly easy.

 

Thanks HeyYou, the haynes manual makes it seem much more difficult. right now, I have rad, shroud, fan, water pump removed. Trying to move acc. rack, having a b*!@h of a time with the a/c elec. connect, wtf? Perhaps my beer guage is low, I'll work on that directly.

 

Just be sure not to move anything while the gears and chain are off. There was another member here that had some issues while doing his timing chain and gear replacement, it didn't end too well for him.

 

Push the red tab over and then press down on ther other clip. Pix are from a fuel pump plug in; a/c plug is the same thing.

 

Yea thanks, I'll do that part in the a.m. when I'm properly caffeinated. Any advice on this elec. connect? The tab is out but it won't unplug, just ornery?

 

The service manual can be found here. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...e-manuals.html

Section 9 page 109 I think, it gives you step by step instructions on how to change a t chain.

 

DUH! Thanks merc. If it weren't so simple, I could've figured it out. I recognize the pix from a fuel pump replacement some 3 yrs. ago. Downloading service manual.

 

Your Welcome, Have fun tomorrow.

 

Got a late start, finally got the vibration damper and tc cover off. Tore oil pan gasket in 2 places, dammit! looks like there were beads of silicone on corners where oil pan bolts to it. Can I use gasket maker for temporary fix or must I replace prior to installing tc cover? Timing chain was unbelievably loose, I'm amazed it didn't jump. Other than being incredibly tight, new set was easy to install. Had to go with OEM, double roller was 4-5 days out at soonest, can't wait that long. Hopefully I can get another 145,000 out of it. That's all I'll get done today. Reassembly should go well tomorrow. Thanks for the support and advice.
Beers,
Chuck