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Timing chain cover

Tiny
KEVFISH
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
Hi, I have a 98 Dodge ram with the 5.9 litre engine. I recently noticed it was leaking antifreez and brough it in to the local repair shop. It was determined that it was leaking around the timing chain cover gasket. I told them to go ahead and replace it. They also recommended and replaced the timing chain cause of some slop and the mileage on the vehicle.

When the shop was done they called and asked if I wanted them to look at the other problems and stated the battery is not charging and they hooked up to commputer and are getting transmission errror codes. Also the check engine light is on. I told them that the light was not on when I brought it in and every thing was working fine. The said that they did not do anything that would have caused this problem. The next day they called and said the truck needs a new computer.

My question is what could they have done that would have caused the computer to go? Truck was fine when I dropped it off there. Is there something they could have dnoe that htey are not aware of? Is there something else they should check before replacing the computer. What would be fair when it comes time to pay the bill?
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Friday, August 21st, 2009 AT 3:19 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
If it was me I'll ask what was the OBD2 code/s that popped the CEL. It doesn't mean bcuz the light came on that it needs a computer who knows could be just a sensor or a wiring problem or just need reflashing to correct things out

When the shop was done they called and asked if I wanted them to look at the other problems and stated the battery is not charging and they hooked up to commputer and are getting transmission errror codes.

If there's a problem with the battery being low and not taking the charge-the computer will not function correctly if its below 11volts therefore its gonna do a lot of weird things that will cause the CEL to lit up-
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Friday, August 21st, 2009 AT 6:26 PM
Tiny
KEVFISH
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
So what would I do with these codes. Will the codes tell me what happened? What should I ask the mechanic?
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Friday, August 21st, 2009 AT 10:56 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
It was brought in for antifreeze leak repair now were talking about computer going bye bye-

Ask the parts changer you need the OBD2 code/s or the diagnostics that says that the computer is defective and disappear from them don't look back and come back and post it-
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Friday, August 21st, 2009 AT 11:16 PM
Tiny
KEVFISH
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I got the truck back and have a follow up question. If the mechanic disconnects the battery while repairing- will the radio in the truck lose its memory as far as the pre-set radio staions?
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
WILLIAMSN71
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1997 DODGE RAM
  • 5.2L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
If I don't have to put my engine at top dead center when replacing the timing cover gasket. How do I make sure the bottom crankshaft pulley doesn't move when I remove the vibration damper when I pull the timing cover off?
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 10:07 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JIS001
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,411 POSTS
You should set it on time in case it does move. That way you have a reference point to set it back.
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 10:07 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,467 POSTS
To add to that, both the dampener and the timing gear are keyed to the crankshaft on that engine. They really cannot be put on in a different position. That is why they don't tell you to set it to TDC. Now that said, I like to break the crank bolt loose, then set the dampener to TDC if it has a timing tab and marks. That way you can look at the timing chain while you have to cover off. Be sure to change the crank seal and look at the dampener for wear in the area the seal rides. With the miles you list I'd probably put a timing chain and sprockets on it as well, as you will already have it apart.
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+1
Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 10:07 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WILLIAMSN71
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The info was spot-on. Truck is running.
But I have a lil problem. I have a 2001 Chevy impala with 3400 engine, and abs brakes. I had to replace the rear passenger side brake hose and now the pedal still goes to the floor. After 3 pumps. I can barely stop. What do you suggest?
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 10:07 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
STEVE W. is one of our best! Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.

Please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 10:07 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CSPOWELL126
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 204,900 MILES
I have a 97 ram 1500 5.9 2wd, and the timing chain cover is leaking. Do I have to the head gasket on it when i'm doing that, or can I just replace the timing chain and housing gasket and be done with it.
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 10:07 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
Head gaskets are a really big job, but it is rarely needed on engines with cast iron heads. The timing chain cover is still a lot of work but you don't have to do anything with the heads. It's more likely the front crankshaft seal is leaking. There isn't much that can cause the cover to leak. Not that it can't happen, but if there's oil up real high, I would suspect the front of the intake manifold gasket first.

Caradiodoc
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 10:07 AM (Merged)

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