OEM 2000 Dodge Ram 3500 Timing Cover

2000 Dodge Ram 3500 Timing Cover Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Effectively Service and Repair a Timing Cover on 2000 Dodge Ram 3500?

  A: To handle the timing cover, first disconnect the negative battery cable, take off the water pump, power steering pump and vibration damper. First, loosen the bolts on the bottom of the oil pan, then the front bolts and finally remove the cover bolts. Remove the chain case cover and the gasket very slowly so as not to harm the gasket underneath the oil pan. Safely pry the oil seal outward using a tool that will not damage the seal surface of the crankshaft. Before installing, clean the meeting areas of the chain case and cylinder block plus the surface the water pump will mount on. Place the chain case cover on the oil pan using a new cover gasket, carefully so you don't damage the gasket. Also, apply a bit of Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant at the join between the gasket on the timing chain cover and the oil pan gasket and then finger tighten the bolts. Lift the smaller side of the oil seal over the tool, seat it into place and then put the seal and the tool onto the crankshaft. Screw the 4 lower chain case cover bolts to 13 Nm (10 ft. lbs.) and rely on the vibration damper bolt to help install the seal on the crankshaft. After you loosen the bolts on the front cover assembly, reattach it, tighten the chain case cover bolts to a torque of 41 Nm (30 ft. lbs.) and tighten the oil pan screws to 24 Nm (215 in. lbs.). Take out the vibration damper bolt and seal installation tool, examine the seal flange on the damper and at this point, set the damper in place. Assemble the housing assembly and water pump, putting new gaskets in place and tightening the bolts to 41 Nm (30 ft. lbs.), then fit the power steering pump. Put on the serpentine belt, screw the fan to its mount, tighten its bolts to 17 ft. lbs. (23 Nm) and then position the fan shroud, tightening each of its bolts to 95 in. lbs. (11 Nm). Put coolant into the cooling system, reattach the negative cable to the battery and bounce the engine to see if coolant is leaking.