1997 Dodge Ram engine cover removal

1997 DODGE RAM
120,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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DJKONEK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have taking my air condition compressor off, alternator, fan, water pump and it shows that my engine is leaking coolant from the top side of my front engine cover. Can I take the main pulley off and the front engine cover off and replace the gasket around the engine cover without messing up the timing
May 2, 2010 at 8:03 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Based on your description, it sounds like the timing chain cover is where your leak is. If that is the case, yes. REmove the harmonic balancer and timing chain cover to replace the gasket. It will not hurt the engine timing unless you remove the chain or a timing chain gear for some reason.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions. Also, replace the small 90 degree bypass hose that is at the top of the cover. THey rarely get changed and are usually the hose that goes causing loss of coolant and overheating.

Joe
PS: Let me know how it goes.
May 2, 2010 at 10:25 PM
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