Oh! All I have is an '01 service manual but I think it's the same. They don't list a spec. For the depth. All they say is to "be sure the word 'front' is showing on the sprocket", and special tool 6972 is needed to set the depth for proper tracking. That tool has a bolt that threads into the front of the crank and a cone that pushes the sprocket on when you run the nut down on the bolt.
I can offer three suggestions. The first would be to see if you can identify a shiny area and a darker area on the crank snout to show where the sprocket had been sitting. Measure that distance first, then again as you press the sprocket on, and go for that same distance. The second would be to install it not far enough, install the timing belt, then run the engine to see where the belt is tracking. If the belt appears to track properly on the cam sprocket(s) but the crank sprocket isn't on far enough, it will get pushed on further when you install the vibration damper. My third suggestion is to borrow the tool from a local friendly Chrysler dealer or ask if they have one at an engine rebuilding or machine shop or at a parts store that borrows tools. You might also try the guys who drive around in the tool trucks and visit repair shops each week. I used to buy a lot of tools from the Mac salesman. You can look on their web site at their catalog but I find it miserable to find the tool I'm after. There are Matco, Cornwell, and if money isn't an issue, there's Snapon too.
Also, if you aren't aware of it, these engines had a common problem where the key between the camshaft and sprocket would shear off and the sprocket would turn a little on the shaft. That results in a fault code "cam and crank sync" and the computer will shut the engine down if the sprocket turns the equivalent of two timing belt teeth. At three teeth off the pistons will hit and bend any open valves.
Friday, December 2nd, 2011 AT 5:22 AM
