2001 Dodge Dakota timing chain

Hello -

To better assist you please tell me the model of your vehicle. Is it a just a Dakota 2WD, or Quad Cab, or RT? Also the engine size in liter and the 8th digit of your VIN.

Hello -

Thanks for the info. . .. . .. . .did you remove the chain tensioner or did you push the tensioner back and pin it?

If you did not then remove it and put it in a vice and gentle push it back and then pin it. . ...install it with the pin and then do the next items. If it were me. . ...I would replace the tensioner since I was in there. . .. . .. . .. . ..preventive maintenance.

I would start from the beginning. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .

To make it easier I would remove the plugs...this allows you to turn the crank more easy. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .

Now, remove the distributor cap and rotate the crank around until it shows TDC on the alignment mark pic 1.

Then ensure the distributor shows the rotor pointing to number on cylinder pic 2. The distributor rotor should now be aligned to the CYL. NO.1 alignment mark (stamped) into the camshaft position sensor. If not, rotate the crankshaft through another complete 360 degree turn. Note the position of the number one cylinder spark plug cable (on the cap) in relation to rotor. Rotor should now be aligned to this position.

Now from this point on I am going to attach the directions for removal and installation of the timing chain. Review and skip the steps that you already did. If you notice though, you have to remove both crank and cam gear, put on the bench, put the chain on and then install. But first make sure your marks are lined up before removing anything.

For the last statement. . ..."Please let us know. . .. . ." that is for the final finish so us and the other readers will know what you did to fix your car.

REMOVAL

Disconnect battery negative cable.
Drain cooling system.
Remove timing chain cover.

Rotate crankshaft to align timing marks (Fig. 84) to #1 TDC.
Remove camshaft sprocket attaching bolt and remove timing chain with crankshaft and camshaft sprockets.

Slip crankshaft sprocket onto crankshaft and compress tensioner shoe by placing a large screwdriver between crankshaft sprocket and tensioner shoe (Fig. 83). Compress shoe until hole in shoe lines up with hole in bracket. Slide a suitable pin into the holes (Fig. 83) and remove screwdriver.
If tensioner assembly is to be replaced, remove the three tensioner to block bolts and remove tensioner assembly.

INSTALLATION

If tensioner assembly is being replaced, install tensioner and mounting bolts. Torque bolts to 24 Nm (210 in. lbs.) .
Place both camshaft sprocket and crankshaft sprocket on the bench with timing marks on an exact imaginary center line through both camshaft and crankshaft bores.
Place timing chain around both sprockets.
Lift sprockets and chain (keep sprockets tight against the chain in position as described).

Slide both sprockets evenly over their respective shafts and verify alignment of timing marks (Fig. 86) with a straight-edge if necessary.
Install the camshaft bolt. Tighten the bolt to 68 Nm (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
Remove tensioner pin. Again, verify alignment of timing marks.
Install timing cover.
Fill cooling system.
Connect battery negative cable.
Start engine and check for oil and coolant leaks.

Hello -

I also wanted to let you know that it looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you.

NHTSA07V555000
12/04/2007
Recall 07V555000: A/T Shift Interlock Defect

C41
02/01/2004
Recall - GAWR/Tire Certification Label Replacement

NHTSA03V505000
12/01/2003
Recall 03V505000: GAWR Label Replacement

C35
10/01/2003
Recall - Dash/Headlamp Wiring Harness Routing

NHTSA03V389000
10/01/2003
Recall 03V389000: Wiring Harness Rerouting/Repair

NHTSA01V233000
07/05/2001
Recall 01V233000: Seat Belt Anchor Defect

NHTSA01V077000
03/07/2001
Recall 01V077000: Transfer Case Control Module Problem

NHTSA00V366000
11/06/2000
Recall 00V366000: Child Restraint Instructions Missing

957
11/01/2000
Recall - Child Restraint, Owner's Manual Update

Hello -

No problem on the question. That is what we are here for. Will do my best to assist.

Okay, sorry, but I want to make sure I am thinking the same thing your are saying.

If I understand you correctly..... You rotate the crankshaft to where everything is lined up... That is the distributor is on number one, the camshaft is at 6 O'clock and the crankshaft is at 12 O'clock.

Then you let off pressure with the wrench and it moves one direction just a little..... Is this correct?

And when you say you have taken everything off that may cause this... Can you tell me what you have taken off?

Sorry, I just want to make sure you and I are saying the same thing...

Hello -

Okay based on what you say... If the distributor is 180 off... Then rotate the crankshaft until the distributor rotor is pointing to number one.

Then your timing mark (first pic) should be at TDC.....

I always turn my crank looking at the distributor..... Once it is in place then the TDC, then last, the marks on the two gears.....

Try that and let me know...I am watching for your post reply so it won't take long.

Hello -

Okay..... If I understand you correctly....... When you rotate the crankshaft and don't even look at the time mark on the crank... You are looking at the distributor only... So when you are looking at the distributor and turn the crankshaft until the distributor rotor is pointing to number 1... Then is the crankshaft on TDC? Another words..... Don't look at anything (and you may be but want to make sure) anyway, don't look at anything other than the distributor..... Put that on number one....... Then where is the camshaft mark and the crankshaft mark?

Hello -

Well, isn't that funny....... Maybe not.......

Since it was running prior....... Let's keep things as they are with a little twist.....

Main thing... Keep that distributor number one..... That is our reference point.

Next... You remove the gears (cam and crank) to put the chain on and then slide the gears on.

Well, mark where the gears are now..... Marker whatever... Mark the gear and the shaft.

Now pull the gears as you would (make sure the chain tensioner is back or if my earlier suggestion off to replace)... Then when you put the gears on the work bench as the directions state, put them a 6 and 12..... Put the chain on and see if they line up on the two shafts... Now they are there. What does that sound like to you...........

Hello -

Nothing should have to be moved.........

If you put the distributor at number one....... Then removed the gears... Laid them on the bench... Put the chain on then and slide the gears back on..... There was no reason to move/turn the crankshaft.....

What was the reason you moved it?

Hello - 2000chevyman

Just so you know I asked another moderator to review with me to make sure we get you back on the right spot here.

I was thinking earlier when I suggested putting the gears in a different position, I believe they only go on one way... Correct... Aren't they keyed to the cam and crank?

Hello -

Also, I worked on a Chevy about a year ago and the book was wrong on the timing marks...I actually contacted the manufacturer... The marks were cam at 12 and crank at 12.

This is why I wanted another moderator to take a look at this.......

Have you disconnected any of it yet?

My thought once he reviews is treat it as a new rebuild.........

Reviewing what you have said... The crank gear is smaller... So will turn more... Since you said the distributor is 180 off, if you rotate the crank should I think make two turns to the cams one circle which doesn't that line it up? Or is that when you say now it is on the exhaust stroke?

So you have the valve covers off and can see the that the exhaust valve is pressed?