OEM 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Van Timing Chain

2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Van Timing Chain Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to service and repair the timing chain and sprockets on 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Van?

  A: Before working on the timing chain and sprockets, pull off the battery negative cable and allow all fluid in the cooling system to drain. Take off the timing cover and move the crankshaft so that the #1 TDC mark is aligned with a fixed point. Remove the connecting bolt from the camshaft sprocket and then remove the timing chain, crankshaft and camshaft sprockets. Cover the crankshaft with the crankshaft sprocket and clamp the shoe with a screwdriver until the holes line up, then put in a suitable pin and releive the tension on the screwdriver once it's inserted. When putting in a new tensioner assembly, first remove the three tensioner to block bolts and the assembly itself. When inspecting, remove the timing chain tensioner, position a scale beside the chain to let you observe movement, use a torque wrench and a socket on the camshaft sprocket attaching bolt with 41 Nm (30 ft. lbs.) when the cylinder head is installed or 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) when it isn't. Use 14 Nm (30 ft. lbs.) of torque to hold the crankshaft still, with the cylinder heads fitted. While holding a scale on top of the chain, tighten with another 14 Nm (30 ft. lbs.) if the cylinder heads are fitted or 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) if they are removed. If travel reaches 3.175 mm (1/8 in.), put in a replacement timing chain. For installation, if you replace the entire tensioner assembly, mount it and tighten the bolts to 24 Nm (210 in. lbs.). Place both sprockets on a bench, placing the timing marks on the same center line and put the timing chain over both sprockets. Lift both the sprockets and the chain together, ensure they are tight against one another and move them evenly over the shafts. Check that the timing marks line up. After installing the camshaft bolt and tightening it to 68 Newton meters (50 foot pounds), pull out the tensioner pin and once more check the position of the timing marks. Put in the timing cover, then fill the coolant system, replace the battery cable lead and start the engine to hunt for any oil or coolant leaks.