Dakota 2WD V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (2000)
Timing Cover: Service and Repair
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
2. Drain cooling system (refer to Cooling System).
3. Remove the serpentine belt (refer to Drive Belts, Mounts, Brackets and Accessories).
4. Remove water pump (refer to Cooling System).
5. Remove power steering pump (refer to Steering and Suspension).
6. Remove vibration damper.
7. Remove fuel lines (refer to Powertrain Management).
8. Loosen oil pan bolts and remove the front bolt at each side.
9. Remove the cover bolts.
10. Remove chain case cover and gasket using extreme caution to avoid damaging oil pan gasket.
Fig. 53
11. Place a suitable tool behind the lips of the oil seal to pry the oil seal outward. Be careful not to damage the crankshaft seal surface of cover (Fig.
53).
INSTALLATION
1. Be sure mating surfaces of chain case cover and cylinder block are clean and free from burrs.
2. The water pump mounting surface must be cleaned.
3. Using a new cover gasket, carefully install chain case cover to avoid damaging oil pan gasket. Use a small amount of Mopar Silicone Rubber
Adhesive Sealant, or equivalent, at the joint between timing chain cover gasket and the oil pan gasket. Finger tighten the timing chain cover bolts
at this time.
Fig. 54
4. Place the smaller diameter of the oil seal over Front Oil Seal Installation Tool 6635 (Fig. 54). Seat the oil seal in the groove of the tool.
