OEM 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Timing Chain

2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Timing Chain Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Service and Repair a Timing Chain and Its Camshaft Sprocket on 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan?

  A: Before handling the timer chain and camshaft gear sprocket, first take off the negative battery cable and then the chain cover. Set the crankshaft into rotation to bring the timing marks together. Take off the sprocket attaching bolt, next, remove the timing chain and its sprocket and finally, remove the crankshaft sprocket. Before you remove the crankshaft sprocket, first remove the timing chain. Then grab Special Tools 8539, 5048-6 and 5048-1 and hold the crankshaft so that it doesn't move during removal, all while taking care not to damage the surfaces of the crankshaft. Before inspecting, put a scale beside the timing chain to see if it's moving. Then, with a torque wrench on the camshaft sprocket attaching bolt, apply 41 Nm of force to the bolt if the cylinder heads are installed or lower it to 20 Nm if the cylinder heads are removed. To avoid the crankshaft moving, block the crankshaft if necessary. Once you've applied force in reverse at the same torque, measure the movement of the sprocket/chain. If it moves more than 3.175 mm, install new timing chain and sprockets. When installing, turn the crankshaft to make the timing arrow sit at 12 o'clock, add clean engine oil to the timing chain and its sprockets, grip the camshaft sprocket and chain, set the timing chain over the sprocket, so the plated link lines up with the dot and finally put the timing arrow at 6 o'clock. Install the timing chain so that the plated link fits in the dot, add the camshaft sprocket and see if the marks line up with a straight edge. Screw in the camshaft sprocket bolt and washer to 54 Nm, turn the crankshaft twice and arrange the timing marks as needed. After that, fit the timing cover and reattach the negative battery cable. When attaching the sprocket to the crankshaft, ensure the timing mark is on the outside and the gap is positioned over the timing pin on Special Tool 8451, mount the sprocket with Special Tool 8452 until it sits and then install the timing chain and camshaft sprocket.