Timing chain tensioner

-
6

65Valiant_NC

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2018
Messages
107
Reaction score
124
Location
Clayton, NC
Working on a 3.9 v6 out of a 91 Ram and when I got it I could here the timing chain making a lot of noise. I pulled the motor because anything that could leak was. Pulled the timing cover and no tensioner. Shouldn't this year roller motor have one?
 
I can't remember what year they started from the factory. I do remember there was a TSB to add it with a new chain if there was noise coming from the timing chain.
 
65Valiant_NC said:
Working on a 3.9 v6 out of a 91 Ram and when I got it I could here the timing chain making a lot of noise. I pulled the motor because anything that could leak was. Pulled the timing cover and no tensioner. Shouldn't this year roller motor have one?
Click to expand...
My 96 3.9 didn't. The original chain and gears lasted 150,000 miles. The replacement will last as long. The thing will be rusted and in the crusher by then. I didn't put a tensioner on. I wouldn't with a double roller.

 
toolmanmike said:
My 96 3.9 didn't. The original chain and gears lasted 150,000 miles. The replacement will last as long. The thing will be rusted and in the crusher by then. I didn't put a tensioner on. I wouldn't with a double roller.

Click to expand...

I was gonna put the silent type chain back but maybe I'll just do a double roller and call it good. It's a beater truck so that should be fine.
 
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.
 
From the date on this TSB I'd say about 1998? They knew of the noise for years before they ever did anything about.
 
Hellrats said:
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.
Click to expand...
Interesting we are talking about a 91 and then my 96 and this TSB was dated tail end of 1997. I wonder if they put tensioners in production engines after the TSB was released. The wear and noise isn't a issue until 100,000+ miles. What wa sthe warranty then? 100,000 miles then we might have a problem. I don't see a problem here otherwise.. Mopars always had chain/gear issues. They are very long compared to small block Chevy and Ford. But our cam's sit high in the block, the pushrods are shorter and you can put a 4" stroke crank in without much id any clearancing. Take that competition!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top