Hey guys I know this is a question about a 3.7L gasser but most of you are really helpful and being this is a rather common engine I thought I'd ask. I bought a 2002 Dodge 1500 with the 3.7L they guy said the chain tensioner broke or maybe is just weak, either way it allowed the engine to slip out of time. He says it still turns over freely but I'm going to guess I will need a new pair of heads because this will crush valves unlike our beloved oil burners. The question is, I'm having trouble finding a good right up on the re-timing of that engine with all the timing chains and all, does anyone here have any input on my non oil burning question. Thanks again

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John G.
2011 Dodge Avenger 3.6L
2006 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited(welcome to the family)
1992 Dodge D250 Cummings
1966 M151 A1
1961 Corvair Monza coupe

That 3.7L engine should be the same as the 3.7L gasser in the 2002 KJ so go to Sir Sam's NOOB guide and download a copy of the 2002 FSM which will, hopefully, help. From what I can find, online, timing or retiming this engine is so complex as to make a CRD timing job look like a walk in the park what with multiple chain guides and tensioners. That said and I'll admit my experience with timing chains is somewhat old I don't see how a timing chain can "slip" assuming the timing gear teeth and chain are metal on metal. I do know that some engines have or used to have plastic timing gear teeth (rather stupid make the timing chain quieter idea) that could wear enough in like 100K miles to allow a timing chain to actually skip a tooth (ca. 1969 Chrysler 318 was a case in point as I say the chain and plastic gear wear)

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Sold to LOST member my 05 Ltd, GDE Stg II turbo + TCM tune, SunCoast TC w. Transgo kit, Steiger window regulators, Samcos, Fumoto valve, 2nd gen filter head with Lub. Spec. bleeder, Hayden clutch & 11 blade fan, inverted spare, P-1 battery, BF Goodrich Long Trail TAs, Etecno1 glow plugs, timing belt at 50K miles/8 yrs