A step-by-step guide on replacing timing chain cover gasket needed?

Tiny
NATE.NICHOLS5640
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 250,000 MILES
Timing chain cover leak.
Sunday, April 16th, 2023 AT 2:51 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,744 POSTS
Here's the removal and installation steps. The torque specs listed for the cover bolts are:

Timing Chain Case Cover Bolts M8 Bolt 20 ft. Lb
. M10 Bolt 40 ft. Lb
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Sunday, April 16th, 2023 AT 8:08 PM
Tiny
NATE.NICHOLS5640
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
Thanks a lot. Also I’m wondering, while I’ve got it taken apart what all would you recommend replacing?
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Sunday, April 16th, 2023 AT 8:54 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
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There are no common failures that I'm aware of with this engine. I have three of them. One is in a '94 Grand Voyager with 287,000 miles. Another is in a '95 Grand Caravan, and the third is in a '93 Dodge Dynasty with less than 5,000 miles. I have other vehicles with the 3.0L Mitsubishi engines, but those use timing belts that run the water pump. Those parts along with their tensioning devices are common items to replace. The 3.3L uses a timing chain. If you find looseness in that chain and want to replace it, I'll find the additional instructions for you.
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Monday, April 17th, 2023 AT 6:09 PM
Tiny
NATE.NICHOLS5640
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
Because of the number of miles on the van I’m going to replace the timing chain while I have the cover off. So, instructions for that would be helpful.
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Monday, April 17th, 2023 AT 6:57 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,744 POSTS
One thing to be aware of if you disconnect the battery as instructed, the engine's idle speed will be too low. It may not start unless you hold the accelerator pedal down 1/4". It will not give the nice "idle flare-up" to 1500 rpm at startup, and it will tend to stall at stop signs. All other learned sensor personalities and fuel trim numbers will be relearned as soon as you start the engine. The one notable exception is "minimum throttle". Once that is relearned, idle speed will be back to normal.

To meet the conditions for that relearn to occur, drive at highway speed with the engine warmed up, then coast for at least seven seconds without touching the pedals.
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Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 AT 6:21 PM

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