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How to Change the Timing Chain on a 2001 Caravan

The Caravan is a minivan that Chrysler Group sells under its Dodge brand. Chrysler introduced the Caravan in 1984, and the the 2001 model belongs to the fourth generation of this series. The 2001 Dodge Caravan is available with six-cylinder engines that require timing chains. These engines have a single overhead camshaft, and a displacement of 3.3 or 3.8 liters. The timing chain does not wear out and should only require replacement if it breaks.

Instructions

1

Drain the coolant from the radiator into a drain pan. Drain the oil from the crankcase into a separate drain pan. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench. Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands. Remove the right wheel and splash shield under the engine with a socket wrench.

2

Detach the oil pick up tube from the oil pan and disconnect the oil pan. Remove the drive belt from the air compressor and disconnect the damper from the crankshaft. Detach the lower hose from the radiator and remove the heater hose from the cover of the timing chain.

3

Disconnect the engine mount and its bracket from the right side of the engine with a socket wrench. Remove the water pump and power steering support bolt from the timing chain cover. Disconnect the mounting bolts from the timing chain cover and detach the cover. Discard the gasket for the timing chain cover.

4

Turn the crankshaft clockwise to align the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket with the colored link on the timing chain. Disconnect the attaching bolt for the camshaft sprocket with a socket wrench. Remove the timing chain and the camshaft sprocket. Disconnect the crankshaft sprocket from the crankshaft with special tools 5048-1, 5048-6 and 8539.

5

Turn the crankshaft clockwise until its timing arrow points straight up. Lubricate the new timing chain and the sprockets with engine oil. Place the timing chain onto the camshaft sprocket so that the plated link aligns with the dot on the camshaft sprocket.

6

Put the timing chain around the crankshaft sprocket so that the other plated link on the timing chain aligns with the dot on the crankshaft sprocket. Position the camshaft so that its timing arrow points straight down and install the camshaft sprocket onto the camshaft. Tighten the bolt on the camshaft sprocket 40 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench.

7

Install the crankshaft sprocket on the the crankshaft with a socket wrench. Turn the crankshaft two full turns and align its timing marks once again.

8

Clean the mating surfaces n the timing chain with a shop towel. Install a new gasket onto the timing chain cover so the edge of the gasket is 0.02 in. past the edge of the cover. Turn the crankshaft clockwise until the flats of the oil pump drive are vertical. Install the oil pump to the crankshaft so that the flats of the oil pump rotor align with the flats of the crankshaft.

9

Replace the timing chain cover and fasten its mounting bolts with a socket wrench. Tighten the 8mm bolts to 20 ft. lbs. and tighten the 10mm bolts to 40 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench. Install the water pump and bolt for the power steering support to the timing chain cover. Replace the damper to the crankshaft.

10

Install the bracket for the engine mount. bracket with a socket wrench. Tighten the 10mm bolts to 40 ft. lbs. and tighten the 8mm bolts to 21 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench. Install the remaining components by performing steps one and two in reverse order. Fill the radiator with fresh coolant, and fill the engine with new oil. Start the engine and correct any fluid leaks.

Posted by Unknown at 11:00 PM

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