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All started with a water leak

FU64RY

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Location
York Pa.
Timing chain leak on my 94 Dakota. 3.9 V6
Local shop wanted $712 + tax and shop supplys if I supplied all of the parts.

I decided to do it myself.
Timing chain had about 1 1/4 " of play so a new one was called for.
Front main seal which attaches to the timing cover is shot and it is part of the oil pan gasket so now the pan has to be dropped.
I have a lift but no way to get it on because the engine is now apart so I'll have to work on my back.
Happy days.

IMG_9622.JPG IMG_9623.JPG IMG_9624.JPG IMG_9625.JPG
 
That's where you find out who your friends are and get them to help you push the truck on to the lift. Good luck.
 
What are the chances of making up (or even procuring) a partial gasket for just that part of the
pan? Possible to get it to seal without disturbing the pan itself?
 
Why wasn't it on the lift when you started down this path? I agree couple friends can help push easily...
 
What are the chances of making up (or even procuring) a partial gasket for just that part of the
pan? Possible to get it to seal without disturbing the pan itself?

You don't need to remove the pan. Tilt out on the cover and insert it into the pan and push back. Like the Cheby and Ferd SB pan.
 
You don't need to remove the pan. Tilt out on the cover and insert it into the pan and push back. Like the Cheby and Ferd SB pan.
Where I'm going with this, yeah. Pics aren't clear about whether the old gasket is still there, though?
 
Why wasn't it on the lift when you started down this path? I agree couple friends can help push easily...
That's where you find out who your friends are and get them to help you push the truck on to the lift. Good luck.
The truck is in my home garage, 200' away from the lift that is in my barn and up hill all the way + I have no friends.......out in the country and always work alone.
 
What are the chances of making up (or even procuring) a partial gasket for just that part of the
pan? Possible to get it to seal without disturbing the pan itself?
I briefly had that thought till I went and picked up the $38 pan gasket, I asked the parts guy and he said don't even think about it. Check out the pictures.

IMG_9626.JPG IMG_9627.JPG IMG_9628.JPG
 
You don't need to remove the pan. Tilt out on the cover and insert it into the pan and push back. Like the Cheby and Ferd SB pan.
LOL..............That sounds hi fast and I usually try to do it the correct way.
 
Hope to have it done today, 7/8 tonight.
 
You can get a chain with a tensioner for a newer model. I think 99 and up. It will never be loose again.
 
You can get a chain with a tensioner for a newer model. I think 99 and up. It will never be loose again.
Yes; I did consider that, the new one is installed and really tight.
Thank You
 
Update................. No fricken way to get the pan off from laying on my back.
I forgot to mention that it is 4wd. skid plate, sway bar, cross member all have to be removed to even consider getting to the pan bolts.
I'll have to cut the pan gasket and use RTV the best I can.
 
Do you have another vehicle to tow the truck up the hill to the barn? Then an electric winch to get it on the lift?
 
Do you have another vehicle to tow the truck up the hill to the barn? Then an electric winch to get it on the lift?
I'm going to get it back together and drive it on to the lift and buy another pan gasket. If it doesn't leak then I will not need to get it on the lift.
Thank You
 
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