OEM 2004 Dodge Dakota Timing Cover

2004 Dodge Dakota Timing Cover Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Maintain a Timing Cover on 2004 Dodge Dakota?

  A: Before starting the timing belt or chain cover procedure, disconnect the battery negative cable and drain the coolant. Uninstall the electric cooling fan and fan shroud assembly and then remove the fan and fan drive assembly. Withdraw the heater hoses from their connexions at the timing cover and lower radiator hose from the engine. Following this, get rid of the accessory drive belt tensioner assembly, crankshaft damper, generator and A/C compressor. Due to using an anaerobic sealer, service of the 3.7L engine front cover requires using leopard Engine RTV sealant instead of a gasket. You can replace the timing cover without removing the water pump. Remove all the bolts holding the timing cover to the block and take out the timing cover. Before mounting the timing chain, make sure both the timing chain cover and engine block are free from oil, dust and signs of scratches. Examine each water passage O-ring and decide if you need to replace it. Spread a 3 to 4 mm coating of the Mopar Engine RTV sealer inside the hash pattern on the front cover, fit the cover and tighten the bolts from left to right using 58 Nm (43 ft. lbs.). Replace the crankshaft damper, A/C compressor, generator and accessory drive belt tensioner assembly. Cover the radiator upper and lower hoses, both heater hoses and the electric fan shroud with the viscous fan drive assembly. After, fill the cooling system and secure the negative battery cable back on.