Locate the number one piston at top dead center on the compression stroke by removing the spark plug, placing your finger over the hole, and turning the crankshaft until pressure is felt, ensuring the marks on the crankshaft and intermediate shaft sprocket are aligned, with the arrows on the camshaft sprocket lining up with the bearing cap parting line. Use one wrench to hold the offset tensioner pulley bolt while using another to loosen the center bolt, releasing the tension from the timing belt, and then remove the belt along with the tensioner pulley assembly. Remove the intermediate shaft sprocket bolt while holding the sprocket with a special tool or a homemade substitute, then pull the sprocket off the shaft. Use a puller to remove the crankshaft sprocket, hold the camshaft sprocket to remove its bolt, and detach the sprocket from the cam. Inspect the timing belt for wear, stretching, and damaged teeth, checking for contamination from oil, gasoline, or coolant, and consider replacing it if the vehicle has low mileage. Inspect the tensioner pulley for damage and replace it if necessary, along with checking the camshaft, crankshaft, and intermediate shaft sprockets for wear or damage, replacing them if needed to prevent belt slippage and potential internal engine damage. Check the crankshaft and intermediate shaft seals for oil leakage and replace them if necessary. When installing the timing belt, ensure the keys on all shafts are at the 12 o'clock position, install the crankshaft and intermediate shaft sprockets, and turn the shafts until the marks are aligned. Install and tighten the crankshaft sprocket bolt, lock the crankshaft to prevent rotation, then install and tighten the intermediate shaft sprocket bolt, double-checking the alignment of the marks. Install the camshaft sprocket and bolt, tightening it to the specified torque while ensuring the arrows on the sprocket hub align with the camshaft bearing cap parting line. Install the timing belt without turning any sprockets, then install the tensioner pulley with the bolt finger tight. With assistance, apply tension to the timing belt and temporarily tighten the tensioner bolt, measuring the deflection of the belt between the camshaft and tensioner pulley, adjusting the tensioner until the deflection is approximately 5/16-inch. Turn the crankshaft two complete revolutions to align the belt on the pulleys, rechecking the belt deflection and tightening the tensioner pulley. Finally, recheck the camshaft timing with the timing belt cover installed and the number one piston at TDC on the compression stroke, ensuring the small hole in the camshaft sprocket is centered in the timing belt cover hole.
Posted by MoparPartsGiant Specialist