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Timing Chain removal

59K views 23 replies 9 participants last post by  tsuintx 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Do I really need to remove the oil pump to get the timing chain tensioner off so that I can get my cam sprocket removed?

The Haynes manual process is to remove the oil pan in order to removed the oil feed line going to the oil pump, then remove the oil pump in order to remove the timing belt tensioner. All that so I can remove the chain, sprocket, and then the cam.

Has anyone removed the timing chain without removing the oil pump?

Here's a pic of what I'm talking about.

0323031741.jpg
 

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#6 ·
ASTE25 said:
If it were me, I'd drop the pan and do it right.
You're probably right. Is it a pain with that transfer case right there?
 
#9 ·
I think I meant to say the front diff. Is the gasket reusable?
 
#13 ·
yeah... I do not want to take the front diff off... I'm going to try this mod. That was a great video too.
 
#15 ·
I don't know....if Jordan says, then it's probably right! :lol: Kinda like "Simon says!
 
#18 · (Edited by Moderator)
As I said, I'm not dropping the oil pan for this damned oil pick-up tube....... and I didn't

However, (pause for effect) My pick-up tube is not the same as the one from the video. This stupid thing is welded all the way around in place and cannot be switched around. (believe me, I tried. If someone knows a way, then please give up the info!!)

Whenever my oil pump goes, I will drop the pan and take that pick-up tube to a shop and get it cut and re-welded so that the bolt can go on the outside.

So, back to getting that bolt on the pick-up tube without dropping the oil pan... :evil:

1. Stuff a rag in the oil pan.
2. Remove the skid plate so you can sit under the vehicle with your head up in front of the engine. (I'm not sure if this will be possible if all you're removing is the oil pump. I have so much torn out of my truck right now, that there was plenty of room)
3. Use a neighbor to put pressure on the pick-up tube with a small pry bar to get it flush with the oil pump
4. Position the bolt on a small magnet as the image shows: (this is not the actual oil pump bolt)
0324031955.jpg

5. With one hand, maneuver the bolt into the hole, with the other hand, have a flathead ready to apply pressure to the top of the bolt.
6. Remove magnet.
7. Utilize small pliers to begin tightening the bolt while you're applying pressure with the flathead. Eventually you will have enough room to fit the box end of a 10mm wrench and finish tightening it.

Doing the loosening and tightening with pliers will degrade part of the rubber sealing on the oil pan. I applied some high temp RTV to remedy this.

Doing this saved me all the time of removing the front differential and the extra money of having to get an alignment done after it was put together.
There may be better ways than this, but this worked out for me. I only dropped the bolt once :)
If I would have had the same pick-up tube as the video, I would have absolutely used that way first. But, both will work.
 

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#20 ·
Mobile Super 10w-30 with a quart of lucas additive. Only 18,400 miles!!
 
#21 ·
Let me tell you all what I think might be possible, but didn't try.

I had a little trouble getting the tensioner on after the chain was back on. What I found out is that it is possible to put the timing chain on after putting the tensioner on. That got me wondering. Now, I didn't try this, but it may be possible to get the cam sprocket off without removing the oil pump, since you can remove and install the chain without having to take the tensioner off. You would just have to leave the chain hanging there after removing the sprocket and then ensure correct lining up of the timing marks when putting the sprocket teeth back in the chain.

Has anyone tried this?
 
#22 ·
When i replace the camshaft, i never touch the oil pump. There's a small hole on top of the tensioner, when you push it back and line it up with the hole in the metal part, you can stick a drill or a wire in it to hold it back, that gives you enough slack in the chain to remove the sprocket and you're good to go. Saves a lot of time and grief.
 
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