Quick and accurate idler sprocket and chain assembly

In its technical installation video for the 4.7L V8 Chrysler Powertech engine, the Cloyes Technical Support team not only complete the timing chain system replacement but also discuss changes to the timing components that Chrysler made throughout the production of this engine family. The procedures also closely apply to Chrysler 3.7L V6 engines as well. For this example, we are working on 2007-2013 Chrysler 4.7L engines using the Cloyes 9-0393SF timing kit. This kit fits a wide range of Chrysler vehicles, such as Dodge Dakota, Dodge Durango, Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and more.

A significant change was made on the 4.7L engines from 2007 to 2008, depending on the application. Chrysler went from using inverted tooth secondary chains to roller style secondary chains. With the change in design it was also necessary to update the camshaft sprockets and idler sprocket to accept the roller chains. The installation challenge is to align secondary chains on the rear rows of teeth on the idler sprocket then manage to install the idler assembly with both secondary chains, the primary chain, and the crank sprocket onto the engine all at once. The Cloyes supplied kit comes with complete, assembled idler assemblies.

Chrysler has the “perfect tool” they want to sell you for the replacement of the timing chain and associated components. We’re here to tell you not to buy it and to save money. Watch our video and we’ll show you how you can do this with zip ties.

When it is time to install the idler assembly with chains, start by wrapping the right bank chain on the most inward row of teeth with one of its marked links clearly showing in the center of the sprocket window at the 4:00 position. Then band the chain tight onto the sprocket with a zip tie at about the 10:00 position. Note: For earlier engines with inverted tooth secondary chains, place the double marked links where they are clearly visible through the sprocket windows. Repeat the process with the left bank chain on the middle row of teeth with the marked link clearly showing through the center of the window at 8:00 Band the chain tightly at about the 2:00 position. As we said earlier, Chrysler does have a special tool to hold the chains in place similar to our zip tie method, but we found the zip ties to be just as affective. You can view this tip and the entire installation process at https://youtu.be/sybeHKJsevM.

As always, we want to remind you that chains can experience wear and stretch, guide contact surfaces can become damaged and guide bracketry can break, damage to the tensioners can occur, and sprocket tooth wear will develop when operating with an unstable chain. For these reasons, and the fact that timing component cost is a fraction of the labor costs required to replace the components, it is recommended to replace all components when making the repair. In doing so, the consumer and technician can save time as return visit may be prevented; the vehicle owner will save money in the long run as opposed to having multiple components replaced at different intervals; and the technician and shop can reduce comebacks thanks to all components being replaced at the same time.