I can turn the crank pulley on my Duster back and forth and hear a tock-tock sound like a chain going slack and then tightening back up. Does this mean my timing chain is toast? I have no idea how many miles this engine has on it as the odometer no longer works Is there a more definite test that I can perform? How involved is a timing chain replacement?

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82 D150-225/727
02 Dakota-3.9/5 speed
87 GMC C7000-8.2 Detroit Diesel/5+2

Well, it's not a DEFINITE test, but is another clue..........Pop the distributor cap off and have a buddy rock the crank back and forth by hand, while you watch the rotor. The distributor is driven off the cam, so any excess slack will show up big time at the rotor.

Roger

A quick and dirty test is to pull the valve cover and watch the rockers... If you can move the crank at all and not see movement your chain is on it's last legs. The proper procedure is to remove the timing cover and measure the slack in the chain.

While the actual job of pulling the cover and replacing the chain isn't bad, doing it in vehicle could be a pain. If you're prepared to remove the radiator, it should be doable though.

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Used to own:
'82 Dodge D150
Erson 270 Cam, O/S valves, mild port work, ~9.5:1 compression

Currently fighting with an '85 VW Cabriolet

My other passion

I am not worried about pulling a rad. Plenty of help and I have all the time in the world.

What about the A/C condenser though?

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82 D150-225/727
02 Dakota-3.9/5 speed
87 GMC C7000-8.2 Detroit Diesel/5+2

As long as your not pulling the cam, leave the condensor, alone. I would put a piece of cardboard over it, to protect, both it and your knuckels.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

Thanks for the tip Charlie.

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82 D150-225/727
02 Dakota-3.9/5 speed
87 GMC C7000-8.2 Detroit Diesel/5+2

By the way, do I have to remove the oil pan to get the timing cover off? I need to get a decent manual.

I need some part #'s for a good, high quality timing set.

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82 D150-225/727
02 Dakota-3.9/5 speed
87 GMC C7000-8.2 Detroit Diesel/5+2

You don't have to pull the oil pan, no. You can remove the timing cover (requires removing the bolts along the front rail of the oil pan), then replace just the front-rail section of the oil pan gasket.

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