I have a 2001 Ram 1500 5.9L with 87k miles. My water pump went out about 2k miles ago and I had it replaced by a mechanic. I just had the oil changed and the mechanic brought to my attention that the left valve cover gasket is seeping so I've been looking at the threads and came across people replacing their timing chain when they replaced the water pump.

The mechanic didn't mention nor recommend anything to me about replacing the timing chain at the same time, and now I'm kicking myself because I didn't even think to bring it up when the water pump was being replaced.

So, my question is, on average when should the timing chain be replaced? Once it reaches 100k?

I've also read in many threads that the valve cover gasket bolts often become loose which can cause the seep/leak. Should I just re-torque or replace the gasket? Thank you!

 

Replace it now. Get a double roller

 

I haven't done mine yet but I would think when you fix your plenum gasket, the timing chain would be nice to do at the same time. Or just do it now.

 

After about 100K miles, the stock chain stretches out pretty significantly. Replacing it, even with a stock unit, will make the engine run better, but, if you are going to spend the money, the double roller guys aren't more than a couple bucks different in price, and are a pretty decent upgrade.

I did mine at 170K, or thereabouts...... and it was REALLY stretched out.... I was amazed at the difference in the way the engine ran. MUCH better.

But, if you don't need to dig in there just yet, don't make a special trip for it. Do it as part of the plenum job, or, the next time you change the water pump, or, as in my case, when the timing cover starts blowing coolant.

 

Is the plenum gasket something that should be replaced before problems start, is it guaranteed that the plenum gasket will fail? What is the best replacement gasket?

What about the valve cover? Should I re-torque or replace the gasket?

 

This will answer all your plenum questions

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...um-thread.html

Yes the plenum gasket will fail eventually as long as it hasn't been changed previously. The best replacement gasket is a Hughes plenum kit to my knowledge.

 

Valve covers: Retorque, and see what happens. If they continue to leak, or, you have issues with the bolts, take 'em off, and fix it. (new gaskets too...)

Plenum: Pretty much a guaranteed failure point. Fixing it before it fails may prevent you from having to replace the cat, and O2 sensors.... of course, you should replace them about every 80K miles in any event.

Best fix: Aftermarket plate, new bolts, and a fel-pro gasket set. (it will come with the plenum gasket) You can get the complete kit from Hughes, for around 120.00, but, I didn't like the gasket they sent with the plate, and bought my own anyway. Can also get the plate, and bolts from Ebay. A member here makes/sells them.

 

Is this the repair kit?

http://www.hughesengines.com/Index/p...d&partid=27091

 

Yup. That's it.

 

On the timing chain...should I get a complete timing set, or just a double roller chain?