OEM 2004 Dodge Dakota Timing Chain

2004 Dodge Dakota Timing Chain Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Maintain and Fix a Timing Chain on 2004 Dodge Dakota?

  A: To work on the timing chain and sprockets, first remove the negative cable from the battery and drain the cooling system. Take off the covers for the right and left cylinder heads, the radiator fan shroud and turn the engine until the timing mark on the crankshaft damper matches the TDC mark on the timing chain cover, with the camshaft sprocket marks set at 12 o'clock. After that, unmount the power steering pump, disconnect the access plugs from the cylinder heads, oil fill housing, crankshaft damper and timing chain cover and collapse the primary chain tensioner with the pan opening covered. Next, take off the secondary chain tensioners, camshaft position sensor and camshaft sprocket bolts, ensuring you don't harm the camshaft target wheel. While holding the camshaft steel tube with Special Tool 8428, release the left and right camshaft sprockets, remove the idler sprocket assembly bolt and slide the idler sprocket assembly and crank sprocket forward. When the primary and secondary chains are gone, remove the tensioner arms and guides and the primary chain tensioner. Check if sprockets are damaged, the whole idler sprocket assembly has signs of wear, the chain guides are grooved and the secongary chain tensioner piston touches nearby components. First, press the secondary chain tensioner piston down and fit the primary chain tensioner on the oil pump, finishing by tightening the bolts to 28 Nm. Attach the right and left side chain tensioner arms and guides, while keeping in mind the required tightness and then place both secondary chains on the idler sprocket, carefully lining the plated links. Place the main chain with the timing marks, coat the idler shaft with lubricant and hang all chains, crankshaft sprocket and the idler sprocket as one assembly. Connect the camshaft sprockets, check they are in the right position and put in the GT3 tensioners, torquing their bolts to 28 Nm. Took out the locking pins from the tensioners and then tightened the camshaft sprocket bolts to 122 Nm with Special Tool 6958. Move the engine back and forth two complete cycles to look for timing marks, grease all the chains, measure the case for any play amount in the idler gear and if it needs to be changed, replace the idler gear. Lastly, fit the timing chain cover, crankshaft damper, cylinder head covers and the oil fill housing and don't forget to seal the threaded plug in the right cylinder head with Mopar Thread Sealant. After that, top the cooling system off and link the negative battery cable again.