Resetting timing

ANDREW MOYAH

MEMBER
2000 DODGE CARAVAN
3.0L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
301,281 MILES

Took apart front of engine to get access to timing belt (supposedly water pump was changed but couldn't get engine to run, engine would run for at least 1-2 seconds, but would not rev-up, gas pedal straight to the floor.) Anyways removed everything, able to see timing belt all 3 sprocket marks are off, (could be) the top right sprocket marks line up including where the rotor would hit #1 contact point. So I'm assuming I can turn bottom sprocket back to where marks match up and since this only controls the oil pump(?). The top rear sprocket I can probably move clockwise one tooth(?), That is how far that is off. I'm only basing this off of where the rotor is positioned. I hope this is descriptive.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

Don't worry about the distributor. That will take care of itself if it wasn't removed.

The oil pump is driven by the snout of the crankshaft, so you don't have to worry about that either.

This first drawing shows the timing marks. If you can't blow it up enough to read, let me know and I'll cut it into pieces, then expand them for you. The rest are the instructions for setting the timing. Any belt jumping will have to be done on the two camshaft sprockets. There's a lip under the crankshaft sprocket that prevents the belt from being able to jump a tooth there.

I should mention too, when you get to step 4 in the last page of instructions, it says to let the spring set the tension on the belt. Don't rely only on that. I've had mine stick a few times. Use a pry bar to insure that pulley really moved and it isn't hung up on the pivot.

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