QuestionQUESTION: I recently purchased a 96 dodge ram 2500 conversion van with a 3.9L 6cyl. There is a rattle coming from the engine that I believe to be the timing chain. Is there a fix that can be done now? also how does the technical service bulletin work? Oh yeh, the van has 111,000 miles.
ANSWER: what fix are u talking about if u see a TSB for this issue then u can give it a try if in fact its a chain issue.A TSB is info only its not a recall or any such like that.
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QUESTION: I was curious if there was a simple fix or if you had a suggestion. I have heard that there was a tsb issued by dodge back in the 90's regarding the installation of a tension pully to fix the timing chain rattle.
Answerhere it is but I dont know how u want to gauge easy for your self.
NO: 09-07-97
SUBJECT: Timing Chain Noise
DATE: Jun. 27, 1997
NOTE:THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.9L ENGINE.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Rattling or lifter type noise coming from the front (chain case) area of the engine.
DIAGNOSIS:
Start the engine and bring it to operating temperature. Increase and decrease engine RPM slightly while listening to the front end of the engine for a rattling or lifter type noise. A stethoscope can be used to help pin point the noise location. If the noise is found coming from the timing chain case, perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
Quantity Part No. Description
1 83507095 Timing Chain and Sprocket Package
1 53021057 Gasket, Timing Chain Case
1 02129013 Gasket, Water Pump 1990 - 1991
1 04483757 Gasket, Water Pump 1992 - 1997
1 4897297AA Seal, Front Case 1992 - 1997
1 03830109 Seal, Front Case 1990 - 1991
1 53021195AA Tensioner, Timing Chain
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
This bulletin involves replacing the timing chain and sprockets and installing a timing chain tensioner.
Following the appropriate service manual procedures, disassemble the front end of the engine to gain access to the timing chain and sprockets.
Remove the chain and sprockets from the engine. Discard the parts.
Remove the thrust plate and chain oil tab (Figure 1). Discard the parts.
Install the timing chain tensioner p/n 53021195AA in the position where the thrust plate and oil tab was installed (Figure 2). Torque the bolts to 24 Nm (210 in. Lbs.).
Install the new timing sprockets and chain p/n 083507095. Align the timing marks per the appropriate service manual procedure. Torque the camshaft bolt to 68 Nm (50 ft. Lbs.).
Remove the lock pin that holds the tensioner plate for the chain. Discard the pin.
NOTE:WITH THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER INSTALLED, THE CAMSHAFT END PLAY WILL BE 0.051 - 0.330MM (.002 TO .013 IN).
Reinstall the remaining components per the appropriate service manual procedures.
