How to Change the Timing Belt on a 1993 Through 2000 3.5 Chrysler New Yorker

Replacing the timing belt on a 1993 through 2000 Chrysler New Yorker should be done at the recommended time of 100,000 miles. It is important to understand that this engine has been identified as an interference engine. If an engine is an interference engine, when the timing belt breaks or stretches, it is likely to cause extensive damage to the valves, pistons or rods---or any combination thereof.

Things You'll Need

• Set of ¼-inch drive sockets
• ¼-inch ratchet
• Set of ½-inch drive sockets
• ½-inch ratchet
• ½-inch air gun
• Vise
• Set of metric wrenches
• Floor jack
• Jack stands

Instructions

1. Remove the negative terminal on the battery. Remove the spark plugs to make it easier to turn over the motor. Drain the cooling system. Remove the upper radiator cross member. Remove the radiator hoses and the cooling fan module.

2. Remove the accessory belts and the crankshaft pulley bolt. Remove the crankshaft pulley. Remove the timing belt covers. You will then be able to see the crankshaft sprocket. Put the bolt in the crankshaft sprocket and turn the engine clockwise. Align the marks on the crankshaft sprocket and the block.

3. Make sure the marks on the camshaft sprockets are aligned with the double marks on the rear timing belt cover. If not, rotate the crank one more time and they will line up. Remove the automatic tensioner bolts and the tensioner. Remove the timing belt.

4. Put the auto tensioner in a vise and very slowly compress the rod back into the cylinder. Stick a cotter pin through the holes in the cylinder to keep the rod from extending during installation. Hold the tensioner in an upright position so that it does not get air in it.

5. Make sure all the timing marks are lined up--be careful not to move them in the next step while installing the belt.

6. Install the timing belt on the crank sprocket, then the left cam sprocket, the water pump pulley, the right hand cam sprocket and finally through the tensioner pulley. Make sure that the side of the belt opposite the tensioner is tight and all the slack is on the tensioner side.

7. Make sure all the alignment marks are lined up and install the tensioner and the bolts and tighten them down. Pull the cotter pin out of the tensioner and allow the tensioner to extend. It will apply pressure on the tensioner pulley, which in turn will apply tension to the belt.

8. Check the alignment marks one more time, then turn the engine around clockwise two turns and make sure the timing marks still line up and that there is no resistance as it is turned over. Torque the tensioner bolt to 20 foot pounds.

9. Remove the crankshaft bolt and install the rest of the components in the reverse order of removal. Once the crankshaft pulley is on, torque the crankshaft bolt to 85 foot pounds. Refill the radiator.