2003 dodge intrepid timing chain tensioner plunger doesnt stay fully extended to keep tension on the timing chain. this was a previously asked question

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There are a lot of steps, and you need to take your time. You will need access to a lift or jack stand, and make sure you keep the work area clean and organised, taking photos of the timing system will make your life easier when it comes to re-timing the engine.

Water Pump Replacement (2.4L)
Removal Procedure

1. Drain the coolant. Recover the coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling.
2. Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
3. Remove the coolant intake pipe. Refer to Engine Coolant Inlet Pipe Replacement in Engine Cooling.
4. Lower the vehicle.
5. Disconnect the heater hose quick connect from the heater outlet pipe.
6. Remove the timing chain and tensioner. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 2.4L. (see below procedure)
7. Remove the water pump cover-to-cylinder block bolts.
8. Remove water pump pipe to cylinder block bolt.
9. Remove the 3?water pump-to-timing chain housing nuts.
10. Remove the water pump and cover assembly.
11. Remove the water pump cover-to-coolant pump assembly bolts.
12. Clean all sealing surfaces.

Installation Procedure

Important: Before you install the coolant pump, read the entire procedure. Follow the tightening sequences in order to avoid part damage and to provide proper sealing.


1. Install the pump cover bolts. Hand tighten the bolts.
2. Install water pump cover assembly.
3. Install the cover-to-block bolts. Hand tighten the bolts.
4. Install the coolant pump-to-timing chain housing nuts. Hand tighten the nuts.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

5. Torque in sequence as follows:
   1. Tighten the water pump-to-timing chain housing nuts.
      Tighten
      Tighten water pump to timing chain housing nuts to 26?Y (19?lb?ft).
   2. Tighten the pump cover-to-pump assembly bolts.
      Tighten
      Tighten the water pump cove to water pump bolts to 14?Y (124?lb?in).
   3. Tighten the coolant pump cover-to-engine block bolts. Tighten the bottom bolt first.
      Tighten
      Tighten water pump to engine block bolts to 26?Y (19?lb?ft).
6. Install heater hose to pipe on water pump.
7. Install the exhaust manifold and install new gaskets. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
8. Install oil level indicator tube and indicator. Refer to Oil Level Indicator Tube Replacement in Engine Mechanical-2.4L.
9. Connect the brake vacuum pipe to the cam housing.
10. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
11. Install catalytic converter to to manifold. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
12. Install the coolant inlet pipe. Refer to Engine Coolant Inlet Pipe Replacement.
13. Install the timing chain and tensioner. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 2.4L.
14. Lower the vehicle.
15. Connect the oxygen sensor connector.
16. Fill cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
17. Inspect the system for leaks.

Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement
Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Cautions and Notices.
Notice: The timing chain on the LD9 (VIN T) Twin Cam Engine is not to be replaced with the timing chain from any other model year. The timing sprockets are different on the Twin Cam engine and the shape of the links matches the sprockets. Engine damage may result if the wrong timing chain is used. The timing chain and the crankshaft sprocket must be marked so that they are reinstalled in the same side facing out at the time of reassembly.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement.
3. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise (as viewed from the front of the engine, normal rotation) until the camshaft sprocket timing dowel pin holes align with the holes in the timing chain housing.
4. Set the crankshaft sprocket keyway pointing upwards. Align with the centerline of the cylinder bores. This is the timed position.
5. Remove the timing chain guides.
6. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
7. Ensure that all of the slack in the timing chain is above the tensioner assembly.
8. Remove the timing chain tensioner bolts and the tensioner.
9. Remove the tensioner shoe. Use a small locking ring plier in order to engage the hole in the locking tab and remove the shoe from the stud.
Notice: Do not attempt to pry the sprocket off the camshaft or damage to the sprocket or chain housing could occur.
Important: Mark the timing chain and the crankshaft sprocket prior to removal. If the chain or the crankshaft sprocket is installed with the wear pattern in the opposite direction, noise and increased wear may occur.

10. Mark the crankshaft sprocket and the timing chain outer surface.
11. Remove the timing chain.
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Holding the intake camshaft sprocket with J 39579, remove the sprocket bolt and washer.
14. Remove the washer from the bolt and rethread the bolt back into the camshaft.
15. Using a 3-jaw puller and the relief holes in the sprocket, remove the intake camshaft sprocket.
16. Repeat this procedure for the exhaust camshaft sprocket.
17. Clean the old sealant from the bolt with a wire brush.
18. Clean the threaded hole in the camshaft with a round nylon bristle brush.
19. Inspect the parts for wear. Replace the parts as necessary.Some scoring of the timing chain shoe and the guides is normal.
20. Replace the timing chain shoe or guides if the scoring exceeds 1.12?mm (45?in).

Installation Procedure

1. Use Adhesive/Sealant Compound GM?P/N?12345493 or equivalent on the camshaft sprocket bolt. Install the intake and exhaust camshaft sprockets onto the camshafts with the marked surface showing.Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
   
2. Install the retaining bolts and washers to the intake and exhaust camshaft sprockets.
3. Tighten
   Tighten the bolts to 70?Y (52?lb?ft) while holding the sprockets with the J 39579.
4. Install the J 36800 through the holes in the camshaft sprockets into the holes in the timing chain housing. This will position the camshaft for correct timing.
5. If the camshafts are out of position (you must rotate the camshaft more than 1/8?turn in order to install the alignment dowel pins), use the following procedure:
   1. Rotate the crankshaft 90?degrees clockwise off of the TDC in order to give the valves adequate clearance to open.
   2. Once the camshafts are in position and the dowels installed, rotate the crankshaft counter clockwise back to the top dead center.

Notice: Do not rotate the crankshaft clockwise to TDC. Valve or piston damage could occur.
Important: The side of the timing chain that was marked during removal must be showing when the chain is installed.

6. Install the timing chain over the exhaust camshaft sprocket, around the coolant pump, and around the crankshaft sprocket.
   1. Remove the alignment dowel pin from the intake camshaft.
   2. Using the J 39579, rotate the intake camshaft sprocket counterclockwise enough in order to slide the timing chain over the intake camshaft sprocket.
   3. Release the J 39579. The length of the chain between the 2?camshaft sprockets will tighten.
   4. If properly timed the intake camshaft alignment dowel pin should slide in easily. If the dowel pin does not fully index, the camshafts are not timed correctly and the procedure must be repeated.
7. Leave the alignment dowel pins installed.
8. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
9. The timing marks on the crankshaft and on the cylinder block should be aligned when the slack is removed from the chain linking the intake camshaft sprocket and the crankshaft sprocket. If the marks are not aligned, move the chain one tooth forward or rearward, remove the slack and re-examine the marks.

Important: Use the following steps in order to reset the timing chain tensioner assembly to the zero position.

10. Reset the timing chain tensioner assembly.
    1. Insert the tensioner plunger assembly into the tensioner housing.
    2. With the tensioner plunger fully extended, turn the complete assembly upside down on a bench or other flat surface.
    3. With the plunger face against the workbench, press firmly on the bottom of the tensioner housing.
    4. Compress the plunger until the plunger is seated flush in the tensioner.


11. Check the plunger to make sure the plunger is out of the cylinder at the correct dimension. The correct dimension for the plunger to extend out of the cylinder is 1.7?mm (0.07?in) maximum.


12. Loosely install the tensioner assembly and bolts to the timing chain housing.
13. Install the timing chain tensioner shoe on the stud.
14. Apply hand pressure to the timing chain tensioner shoe until the locking tab seats in the groove in the stud.
15. Tighten the timing chain tensioner bolts. Do Not overtighten.
    Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 10?Y (89?lb?in).


Important: If the timing chain tensioner is not released from the installation position, engine damage will occur when the engine is started.

16. Release the timing chain tensioner plunger.
    1. Using a flat blade screwdriver, cotter pin remover, or similar tool, press firmly against the face of the timing chain tensioner plunger.
    Important: If the timing chain tensioner cannot be depressed, the plunger is not properly reset and the procedure for resetting the timing chain tensioner should be repeated.
    
    2. Depress the timing chain tensioner plunger until the plunger is bottomed out in the bore of the timing chain tensioner.
    3. Release the tensioner plunger. the plunger should press firmly against the back of the timing chain tensioner shoe.
17. Remove J 36800 from the camshaft sprockets.
18. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise 2?full rotations. Align the crankshaft keyway with the mark on the cylinder block, and reinstall the alignment dowel pins. The pins should slide in easily if the engine is timed correctly.


19. Install the timing chain guides.
20. Install the engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement.
21. Connect the negative battery cable.
    Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 16?Y (12?lb?ft).

place no 1 piston at TDC compression stroke. There are procedures for the timing of the balance shafts but if it is only the timing chain I will go to that
Align uniquely coloured chain link with intake camshaft sprocket timing mark-- INT--. ( this will be pointing at the 2 o'clock position)
install timing chain and sprocket as an assembly
align first matching coloured chain link crankshaft timing mark (5 o'clock position)
align the second matching coloured chain link with exhaust cam shaft timing mark--EXH ( at the 11 o'clock position
There is a special procedure to reset the balance tensioner and it is different to the timing chain procedure.

To reset cam shaft timing chain tensioner push piston fully and turn clockwise until locked
Once the tensioner has been compressed ensure the distance from end to end is 2.83 inches . If not repeat the resetting process
vehicles 30.000 miles the tensioner is released when the engine is first started . In vehicles over 30.000 miles manually release tensioner by tapping the plunger
Note cam shaft and crank shaft sprockets bolts MUST only be used once. If you want details on the balancer chain procedure then make a comment in the box
use tension wrench and a degree gauge
cam bolts are tensioned to 63 ft lbs + 30 degrees
crank shaft pulley is tensioned to 74 ft lbs + 75 degrees

2.7L V6 engine? OK. is the chain broken or the tensioner not taking up
the slack? chain ok, just replace the tensioner, right side of engine, below
front of cylinder head. if it is the chain that broken, take it to a repair shop,
this will be and expensive fix, bent valves.
GOOD LUCK, RDJRP.

85 ft lbs

Hi, this engine uses plated links in the chain to match marks on the gears. See figure and installation procedure below. Let me know if you have any questions and thanks for using FixYa.

1. Install the timing chain by performing the following procedure:

1. Verify that the crankshaft sprocket timing mark is aligned with the mark on the oil pump housing.
2. Place the left side primary timing chain sprocket onto the chain, while aligning the timing mark on the sprocket to the 2 plated links on the chain.
3. Lower the chain with the left sprocket through the left cylinder head opening.
4. Loosely position the left camshaft sprocket over the camshaft hub.
5. Align the plated link to the crankshaft sprocket timing mark.
6. Position the timing chain around the water pump drive sprocket.
7. Align the right camshaft sprocket timing mark to the plated link on the timing chain and loosely position the sprocket over the camshaft hub.
8. Verify that all the plated links are aligned to their proper timing marks.
   

1. Install the left lower timing chain guide and tensioner. Torque the bolts to 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm).
   NOTE Inspect the timing chain guide access plug O-rings before installing. Replace damaged O-rings as necessary.
   
2. Install the timing chain guide access plug to the left cylinder head and torque to 15 ft. lbs. (20 Nm).
   NOTE To reset the timing chain tensioner, oil will first need to be purged from the tensioner.

1. Purge oil from the timing chain tensioner using the following procedure:

1. Remove the tensioner from the tensioner housing.
2. Place the check ball end of the tensioner into the shallow end of the Tensioner Resetting Special tool 8186.
3. Using hand pressure, slowly depress the tensioner until oil is purged from the cylinder.
4. Reinstall the tensioner into the tensioner housing.

1. Reset the timing chain tensioner using the following procedure:

1. Position the cylinder plunger into the deeper side of the Tensioner Resetting special tool 8186. Apply a downward force until the tensioner is reset.
   

WARNING

Ensure that the tensioner is properly reset. The tensioner body must be bottomed against the top edge of the Tensioner Resetting Special tool 8186. Failure to properly perform the resetting procedure may cause tensioner jamming.

1. Install the chain tensioner into the right cylinder head.
   
2. At the right cylinder head, insert a 3 / 8 in. square drive extension with a breaker bar into the intake camshaft drive hub. Rotate the camshaft until the camshaft hub aligns with the camshaft sprocket and damper attaching holes. Install the sprocket attaching bolts and torque to 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm).
3. Turn the left camshaft by inserting a 3 / 8 in. square drive extension with a breaker bar into the intake camshaft drive hub. Rotate the camshaft until the camshaft hub aligns with the camshaft sprocket and damper attaching holes. Install the sprocket attaching bolts and torque to 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm).
4. If necessary, rotate the engine slightly clockwise to remove any slack in the timing chain.
5. To arm the timing chain tensioner: Use a flat-bladed prytool to gently pry the tensioner arm towards the tensioner slightly. Then, release the tensioner arm. Verify the tensioner extends.
6. Inspect and replace the timing chain cover gasket and oil seal.
7. Apply a 1 / 8 in. (3mm) bead of sealer at the parting line of the oil pan and engine block.
   NOTE When installing the timing cover, guide the seal over the crankshaft to prevent damage to the seal-s lip.
   

Install or connect the following:

Timing cover and gasket and torque the M10 bolts to 40 ft. lbs. (54 Nm) and the M6 bolts to 105 inch lbs. (12 Nm)

Accessory drive belt tensioner pulley

Power steering pump

Crankshaft damper

Crankshaft center bolt and torque the bolt to 125 ft. lbs. (170 Nm) using tool 8191

Accessory drive belts

Fan module and electrical wiring harness

Upper radiator crossmember

Negative battery cable

here is the procedure for the tensioner:

1. Purge oil from the timing chain tensioner using the following procedure:

1. Remove the tensioner from the tensioner housing.
2. Place the check ball end of the tensioner into the shallow end of the Tensioner Resetting Special tool 8186.
3. Using hand pressure, slowly depress the tensioner until oil is purged from the cylinder.
4. Reinstall the tensioner into the tensioner housing.

1. Reset the timing chain tensioner using the following procedure:

1. Position the cylinder plunger into the deeper side of the Tensioner Resetting special tool 8186.
2. Apply a downward force until the tensioner is reset.
   WARNING Ensure that the tensioner is properly reset. The tensioner body must be bottomed against the top edge of the Tensioner Resetting Special tool 8186. Failure to properly perform the resetting procedure may cause tensioner jamming.
   

1. Install the chain tensioner into the right cylinder head.
   
2. At the right cylinder head, insert a 3 / 8 in. square drive extension with a breaker bar into the intake camshaft drive hub. Rotate the camshaft until the camshaft hub aligns with the camshaft sprocket and damper attaching holes. Install the sprocket attaching bolts and torque to 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm).
3. Turn the left camshaft by inserting a 3 / 8 in. square drive extension with a breaker bar into the intake camshaft drive hub. Rotate the camshaft until the camshaft hub aligns with the camshaft sprocket and damper attaching holes. Install the sprocket attaching bolts and torque to 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm).
4. If necessary, rotate the engine slightly clockwise to remove any slack in the timing chain.
5. To arm the timing chain tensioner: Use a flat-bladed prytool to gently pry the tensioner arm towards the tensioner slightly. Then, release the tensioner arm. Verify the tensioner extends.

On both sides of the chain, right above the crankshaft, there are two guides. The chain runs over these guides, the tenion is adjusted by moving one of the guides in more to press on the chain tighter.

your intrepid doesnt have a timing belt it has a chain. there are major problems with these engines, theres a big one with the chain jumping due to a tensioner breaking or a guide,heres a diagram for the chain setup.this is a very important setup make sure you use correct sprokets in the right place and also if it jumped timing il bet you may have some bent valves,

I'm not sure what you may be "doing wrong", but here is the manufacturer procedure for aligning the timing marks.


^Refer to this diagram during step 12.

^Refer to this diagram during step 13.

^Refer to this diagram for step 19.

1. Align crankshaft sprocket timing mark to the mark on oil pump housing. NOTE: Lubricate timing chain and guides with engine oil before installation.
2. Place left side primary chain sprocket onto the chain so that the timing mark is located in-between the two (plated) timing links.
3. Lower the primary chain with left side sprocket through the left cylinder head opening. NOTE: The camshaft sprockets can be allowed to float on the camshaft hub during installation.
4. Loosely position left side camshaft sprocket over camshaft hub.
5. Align timing (plated) link to the crankshaft sprocket timing mark.
6. Position primary chain onto water pump drive sprocket.
7. Align right camshaft sprocket timing mark to the timing (plated) link on the timing chain and loosely position over camshaft hub.
8. Verify that all chain timing (plated) links are properly aligned to the timing marks on all sprockets.
9. Install left side lower chain guide and tensioner arm. Tighten attaching bolts to 28 Nm (250 in. lbs.). NOTE: Inspect oil ring on chain guide access plug before installing. Replace O-ring as necessary.
10. Install chain guide access plug to left side cylinder head. Tighten plug to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.)
11. NOTE: To reset the primary timing chain tensioner, engine oil will first need to be purged from the tensioner.
12. Purge oil from timing chain tensioner using the following procedure:
a) Place the check ball end of tensioner into the shallow end of Special Tool 8186.
b) Using hand pressure, slowly depress tensioner until oil is purged from tensioner.
13. Reset timing chain tensioner using the following procedure:
a) Position cylinder plunger into the deeper end of Special Tool 8186.
b) Apply a downward force until tensioner is reset. NOTE: If oil was not first purged from the tensioner, use slight finger pressure to assist the center arm pin of Special Tool 8186 to unseat the tensioner's check ball. CAUTION: Ensure the tensioner is properly reset. The tensioner body must bottom against the top edge of Special Tool 8186. Failure to properly perform the resetting procedure may cause tensioner jamming.
14. Install the reset chain tensioner into the right cylinder head.
15. Position tensioner retaining plate and tighten bolts to 12 Nm (105 in. lbs.).
16. Starting at the right cylinder bank, insert a 3/8" square drive extension with a breaker bar into intake camshaft drive hub. Rotate camshaft until the camshaft hub aligns to the camshaft sprocket and damper attaching holes. Install the sprocket attaching bolts and tighten to 28 Nm (250 in. lbs.).
17. Turn the left side camshaft by inserting a 3/8" square drive extension with a breaker bar into intake camshaft drive hub and rotate camshaft until the sprocket attaching bolts can be installed. Tighten sprocket bolts to 28 Nm (250 in. lbs.).
18. Rotate engine slightly clockwise to remove timing chain slack, if necessary.
19. To arm the timing chain tensioner: Use a flat bladed pry tool to gently pry tensioner arm towards the tensioner slightly. Then, release the tensioner arm. Verify the tensioner is armed (extends).
20. Install the timing chain cover, crankshaft damper, and cylinder head covers.
21. Install camshaft position sensor and connect electrical connector.

Hope this helps!
Mitchell