QuestionQUESTION: Hi Roland, I have a 1998 Intrepid 3.2. Recently I had overheating problems and I replaced the radiator without an issues. Since then a slow leak developed from the timing belt case so I decided to try replacing the water pump. I got in there and replaced the pump with no problem. After putting everything back together the engine will turnover but it won’t start. I was very careful not to disrupt the positioning of the cam shaft or crank shaft; if they did move it would have been very slight. I read a response you gave on 9/11/06 regarding a similar problem on a 1995 3.5 Intrepid with just realigning the timing marks. Should I go back in and try to do that or could there be another reason why it won’t start. Thanks in advance.
ANSWER: Hi Derek,
I am impressed with the work you have done, based upon reading the procedure in the manual. I haven't worked on that engine personally.
I have a couple of ideas: have you checked that you have spark when you are cranking it over? If not, perhaps the cam shaft sensor is not positioned properly by means of a new paper spacer when you reinstalled it. You might try turning the ignition key "on-off-on-off-on" and leave 'on', doing that in 5 seconds or less.
Then watch for either the check engine light to begin to flash-pause-flash, etc. Count the flashes, then repeat for accuracy. Of watch the odometer to see if it changes to show 4-digit fault codes.
Let me know if you get any codes. Second, did you follow the 20 or so step procedure to reinstall the belt. If not, I can send you the pages from the shop manual so you can compare it to what you have done. As best I can tell, the timing all depends upon having the chain mark on the mark of the oil pump, and then following the direction for reassembling the sprocketa to the timing markets on the chain. Let me know by using the "thank and rate" tab where you can enter an address.
Roland
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QUESTION: Hi again Roland,
I tried some of your suggestions and I didn't get any fault codes. However, I did check the cam shaft position sensor and when I took it out the paper spacer was still stuck to the cam sprocket. The spacer was also covered with grease and other residue most likely due to the leaky water pump. I also have no doubt that during my reinstallation of the timing belt that the sensor was hit more than once because I didn't realize it was even there until after your response so that will need to be replaced. Also, I lined up TDC and the two cam sprockets are off three teeth to the right on the left side of the engine and six teeth to the left on the right side of the engine. I know I didn't disrupt the timing that much. I was just curious if I should go ahead and realign them or if there is actually that much room to play around with on the cams (I wouldn't think so). I have pictures of both the sprocket positions and the sensor/spacer if you wanted to have a look. Thanks again.
Derek
AnswerPS I copied the pages from the Chrysler shop manual and put them in the mail this morning from the west coast. Thanks for the kind evaluation and nomination.
Hi Derek,
No there is not any room for error on the timing marks. As I read the manual, not having done the job myself, the procedure for installing the timing belt is quite detailed such that you wouldn't likely get it right by chance. So let me know if you want the pages for that procedure which I can xerox copy and postal mail to you. On the cam sensor, it may not be broken. You could get a new paper spacer at a dealer and reinstall it. Then verify that you are getting spark when you crank it over. If not, then by a new sensor. Use the "thank and rate" tab to give me an address to mail the pages if you don't have a manual that show how it is done.
Roland
