OEM 2008 Dodge Sprinter 3500 Timing Chain

2008 Dodge Sprinter 3500 Timing Chain Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Inspect a Timing Chain for Wear and Stretch on 2008 Dodge Sprinter 3500?

  A: To examine the condition of the timing chain, unfasten the cylinder head cover from the right bank, place the engine at TDC of cylinder number one and lock the camshaft with tool 8929 - Locking Pins so the timing marks on the gears line up. Spin the engine in just one direction; going in the wrong direction can throw off your measurements. With the camshafts not turning, check the belt pulley; it's fine if it matches the mark when the belt is at maximum 11° after TDC and you must replace it if it goes over the allowed measurements. First, break the negative battery cable, next remove the cover from the right cylinder head. Set the front cover mark with the crankshaft damper mark to be sure the crankshaft is at TDC and check that both sets of timing marks are lined up and horizontal. Before you remove the timing chain tensioner, protect the timing chain by covering the area so debris does not get inside the engine. With two cylinder head cover bolts, install special tool #9554 and then use special tool #9312-1 along with 9312-3 and 9312-4. Insert #9312-13 into the tool and attach it using the supplied screw. Carefully remove the timing chain plates from the engine instead of placing them in it. To install special tool #9312-1, back off the small nut on thrust pin #9312-3, so that thrust spindle #9312-4 is inside spindle #9312-4 and moves freely and then secure thrust spindle #9312-4 in place so it is aligned above the rivet of the timing chain, making sure the thrust pin is at the left side of the chain pin. Using special tool #9312-1, carefully turn the thrust pin #9312-13 until the link moves and the chain parts, then toss out the loose plates and the link. With a small screwdriver, cut through the timing chain so it can't fall into the engine backing plate. You have to be precise in installing the timing chain in the correct way, because failing to follow the procedure can damage your engine a lot.