OEM 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Van Timing Chain

2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Van Timing Chain Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to service and repair the timing chain on 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Van?

  A: In order to work with the timing chain, start by removing the negative cable from the battery and emptying the cooling system. Take off the timing chain cover and crank the engine to get the timing marks to align with #1 TDC position. Unscrew the attaching bolt of the camshaft sprocket, then take out the timing chain and the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets. Carefully slide the crankshaft sprocket onto the crankshaft, then hold the tensioner shoe in position as you tighten the hole in the shoe with a large screwdriver until it is lined up. Then, insert a suitable pin and remove the screwdriver. Once you've decided to change the tensioner assembly, take out the three tensioners and remove the assembly as well. During inspection, remove the timing chain tensioner, put a scale near the timing chain, measure its movement and use a torque wrench on the camshaft sprocket attaching bolt to tighten it in the direction the crankshaft rotates, making sure crankshaft does not move. With the cylinder heads in place, apply 14 Nm (30 ft. lbs.) but in the reverse order; or 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) without them, observe any motion in the chain and note it. If the movement goes over 3.175 mm (1/8 inch), you'll need to replace the timing chain. When installing, be sure that if you replace the tensioner assembly, you tighten its mounting bolts to 24 Nm (210 in. lbs.). Arrange both sprockets on a bench, ensuring timing marks are aligned, insert the timing chain over the sprockets, lift the sprockets tightly onto the chain and ensure the marks stay aligned as you slide the sprockets by their proper shafts. Secure the camshaft bolt, tightening it to 68 Nm (50 ft. lbs.) and afterwards remove the tensioner pin before checking the timing marks one more time. After installing the timing cover, pour in the coolant and link back the negative battery cable, before turning on the engine to check for possible leaks.