Timing Chain Kit

Complete timing chain kit replacement for the 2008 Dodge Viper 8.4L V10, including removal of front accessories, timing cover, chain tensioners, guides, and sprockets.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Timing chain kit (chains, tensioners, guides, sprockets) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Harmonic balancer bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification (one-time use)
• Camshaft position sensor O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Water pump gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine coolant × 1 — Mopar HOAT 50/50
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — 0W-40 full synthetic

Fluids

• coolant — 19 qt
• engine_oil — 11 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold
2. Disconnect negative battery cable
3. Raise vehicle and secure on jack stands
4. Remove engine cover/beauty covers
5. Drain engine coolant into appropriate container
6. Drain engine oil and remove oil filter
7. Remove radiator shroud and cooling fans for access
8. Install engine support fixture from above or prepare hoist support

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove serpentine belt and accessories
   Remove the serpentine drive belt. Remove the power steering pump and secure it aside without disconnecting hydraulic lines. Remove the alternator and secure aside. Remove the A/C compressor mounting bolts and secure the compressor aside without disconnecting refrigerant lines. Remove the idler pulleys and belt tensioner from the front of the engine.
2. 2

   Remove water pump and thermostat housing
   Remove the upper radiator hose. Remove the water pump mounting bolts (note their positions as they may be different lengths) and remove the water pump assembly. Remove the thermostat housing if it restricts access to the timing cover. Keep all fasteners organized by location.
3. 3

   Remove harmonic balancer
   Remove the center harmonic balancer bolt (this is a one-time-use bolt and must be replaced). Use a harmonic balancer puller to remove the balancer from the crankshaft snout. Do not pry against the balancer or use a jaw-type puller that grips the outer ring, as this can damage the balancer. Inspect the balancer for separation or damage.
4. 4

   Remove front engine mount
   Support the engine weight with the engine support fixture. Remove the front engine mount bracket fasteners. Remove the front engine mount and bracket assembly to provide clearance for timing cover removal.
5. 5

   Remove timing cover
   Remove all timing cover bolts (approximately 15-18 bolts of varying lengths around the perimeter). Carefully note the location of different length bolts. Gently pry the timing cover away from the engine block using a non-marring pry bar at designated pry points. Remove the timing cover and gasket. Clean all gasket surfaces thoroughly with parts cleaner and ensure no RTV residue remains.
6. 6

   Verify and mark timing alignment
   Rotate the crankshaft to Top Dead Center (TDC) cylinder #1 firing position. Verify that the colored links on the timing chains align with the marks on the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets. Take photographs and mark all timing reference points with paint or marker before disassembly. The V10 uses a single timing chain driving the in-block camshaft; verify the timing marks on the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets align before disassembly.
7. 7

   Remove timing chain tensioners
   Locate the timing chain tensioner for the single timing chain. Remove the tensioner mounting bolts and carefully remove the tensioner. The tensioner may be spring-loaded; control its removal. Inspect the tensioner for wear or damage. If reusing the old tensioner (not recommended), use a tensioner loading tool to compress and lock it for reinstallation.
8. 8

   Remove timing chain guides
   Remove the mounting bolts for the timing chain guide(s). Remove all guide components and inspect for wear, cracking, or material loss on the contact surfaces. Replace all guides as part of the timing chain kit.
9. 9

   Remove camshaft sprockets and timing chains
   Prevent camshaft rotation while loosening the camshaft sprocket bolt (the camshaft is in-block; hold the sprocket or use a suitable holding method). Remove the camshaft sprocket mounting bolt from the single in-block camshaft (the V10 is a pushrod OHV design with one camshaft driven by a single timing chain). Remove the camshaft sprocket and timing chain together. Remove the crankshaft sprocket from the crankshaft using a gear puller if necessary. Inspect all sprockets for wear on the teeth. Remove the camshaft sprockets and timing chains together. Remove the crankshaft sprocket(s) from the crankshaft using a gear puller if necessary. Inspect all sprockets for wear on the teeth.
10. 10

    Install new crankshaft sprockets
    Install the new crankshaft sprocket(s) onto the crankshaft, ensuring the keyway is properly aligned. Verify the sprocket is fully seated against the shoulder on the crankshaft. The timing mark on the sprocket should face outward.
11. 11

    Install new timing chains and camshaft sprockets
    Route the new timing chain around the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets. Align the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket with the timing mark on the camshaft sprocket so the cam and crank marks are oriented per the factory diagram. Install the camshaft sprocket onto the camshaft with the chain in place. Install the camshaft sprocket bolt and tighten to specification. Verify all timing marks are properly aligned.ation. Verify all timing marks are properly aligned on both banks.
12. 12

    Install new timing chain guides
    Install the new timing chain guides in their original positions. Install the mounting bolts and tighten to specification. Ensure guides are properly positioned to support the timing chains without binding or excessive clearance.
13. 13

    Install new timing chain tensioners
    Load and lock the new hydraulic tensioners using the tensioner loading tool (compress the tensioner piston and insert the locking pin). Install the tensioners into their bores and install the mounting bolts, tightening to specification. Once both tensioners are installed and secured, remove the locking pins to activate the tensioners. The chains should become properly tensioned. Rotate the crankshaft two complete revolutions by hand and verify all timing marks realign correctly.
14. 14

    Install timing cover
    Clean all sealing surfaces on the engine block and timing cover. Apply a small bead of Mopar engine RTV sealant to the corners where the oil pan meets the engine block and at the cylinder head junction points. Install the new timing cover gasket. Position the timing cover onto the engine block, ensuring proper alignment with dowel pins. Install all timing cover bolts in their correct locations (longer bolts in deep holes, shorter in shallow). Tighten bolts in a cross-pattern sequence from center outward to specification. Allow RTV to cure per manufacturer instructions before adding fluids.
15. 15

    Install harmonic balancer
    Ensure the crankshaft snout and balancer hub are clean and dry. Apply a light coat of clean engine oil to the crankshaft snout. Use the harmonic balancer installation tool to press the balancer onto the crankshaft until it is fully seated. Install the new harmonic balancer bolt (do not reuse the old bolt). Tighten the bolt to the specified torque value plus the specified angle rotation. Use a breaker bar with angle indicator or mark the initial position to measure the angle.
16. 16

    Reinstall front engine mount and accessories
    Reinstall the front engine mount and bracket assembly. Tighten all mount fasteners to specification. Remove the engine support fixture. Reinstall the water pump with a new gasket, tightening bolts to specification. Reinstall the thermostat housing if removed. Reinstall the A/C compressor, alternator, and power steering pump. Reinstall all idler pulleys, belt tensioner, and serpentine belt.
17. 17

    Refill fluids and final checks
    Install a new oil filter and refill engine with 11 quarts of 0W-40 full synthetic engine oil. Refill cooling system with 19 quarts of Mopar HOAT 50/50 coolant. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and verify proper oil pressure immediately. Listen for any abnormal timing chain noise. Check for coolant and oil leaks around the timing cover and all disturbed components. Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify proper cooling fan operation.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all components in reverse order of removal
2. Torque all fasteners to manufacturer specifications
3. Double-check that all timing marks are properly aligned before final timing cover installation
4. Ensure all electrical connectors are properly reconnected
5. Verify serpentine belt is properly routed and tensioned
6. Bleed cooling system of air pockets per manufacturer procedure

Verification

• Start engine and verify immediate oil pressure (should be 25+ psi at idle when warm)
• Listen for any abnormal timing chain noise, rattles, or knocking
• Verify engine idles smoothly without misfires
• Check for coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks around timing cover and all disturbed seals
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal engine operation under load
• Recheck fluid levels after test drive and top off as necessary
• Verify no check engine codes are present related to camshaft or crankshaft position sensors

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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