Timing belt markings or resetting

If the belt is installed and tensioner set, and the marks do not line up, you will need to do it over. All three marks, crankshaft and both camshafts, MUST be lined up for the valve timing to be correct. Once set properly, they will not change. Every two revolutions of the crankshaft, all three marks should again line up exactly.

the timing may have jumped and you might need to change the timing belt or chain

Here is a few diagrams of the timing marks. Be sure that you check the marks after the tensioner has been installed as well because installing the tensioner tends to slightly re-adjust the positions of the cams as it takes up slack on one side.

Be carful when turning the engine (by hand) because these engines are an interferance engine and the valves can contact the pistons. After everything is installed and tight, rotate the engine by hand twice and then recheck that the marks are good to go.

If you haven't replaced the water pump, I highly recommend you do it now.

the water pump in chrysler vehicles are run by the timing belt so if you decide to do job yourself make sure them timing marks are aligned up correctly cause if not vehicle wont start

Crankshaft sprocket mark aligns with TDC indicator just above it, and camshaft mark, goes in center of 2 marks on back cover behind them.

need more info

This a dificult and time consuming project. Suggest you purchase you a repair manual which gives you diagrams and detailed instructions for this type of repair. Difficult to explain procudure in writing.

Remove the hood bracket bar, 4bolts, then the fan shroud assembly, then the belts, belt adjuster, and timing covers, line up the cam gears, crank gear to the marks , cam has 1 dot, they line up to timing housing 2 dots, (single dot to middle of the 2 dots), crank has 1 dot to mark on the oil pump housing to your right of crank gear, thats TDC. now remove the timing belt tensioner, 2 bolts, and remove the belt, if the pump has leaked, replace the belt, and tensioner if it is NOT metal Pulley, the fibre one will break down from the antifreeze. its a good idea to replace the water pump housing orings behind it, ac bracket has to come off, as the right cam on engine, this not a retiming iussue with the gear. GOOD LUCK. RDJRP

My sincere apologies for the delayed response.
I am personally going back to answer your unanswered questions.

I do not know if you still need this information, however I am answering it either way.

Click on the following direct Link. It has several Diagrams you will need for your Timing Belt replacement. Included are the Cover Bolt Locations, Tools Needed and Marks for your specific engine.
You may also want to Print out these Diagrams for future use.

Let me know if this helped, or if you have additional information or questions. Feel Free to contact me at FixYa.com!

Again my apologies..

http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/1997/make/dodge/model/intrepid/1997_dodge_intrepid_timing_belt_diagram_marks.htm

the timing is done by marks on the crankhaft , and the cams , you can get a printout of timing marks from your dodge dealer.