Timing chain change?

I've got a 96 with a 3.8 ltr engine with 138K miles. I'm told it has a timing chain. When should I consider changing it? The manual says nothing. I don't trust the dealer.

Change it when replacing the leaking timing cover gaskets that you'll encounter!

I've got a 96 with a 3.8 ltr engine with 138K miles. I'm told it has a timing chain. When should I consider changing it? The manual says nothing. I don't trust the dealer.

I changed the timing belt of my '95 3.0L Caravan at around 78,000 miles.
Mine was a rubber timing belt that is a non-interfering type. When it was taken out, I clearly saw that it was cracked. Probably a few thousand miles more and it would have split. My maintenance manual indicated to check it at 75,000.
I am now at 100,000... and I did have to replace the transmission at 98,000 ;-(

this is for Flashfox or anyone that can help!

I'm also in the process of replacing the broken timing belt on my 92 plymouth voyager...

I'm stuck at the fly wheel bolt !? Can't get it off. I don't have the manual yet, had to order it because was out of stock (local CTC). Probably wont get til Wednesday.

Can you give me any sugestions on how to hold the fly wheel so I can crack the nut. Is it reverse threaded ?

Thanks
Wayne

Normally you don't ever have to change a chain.
That's why they used a chain-'cause it'd be a hop inna nuts to change it otherwise.
No, seriously..
I had to change the timing chain on my '87 (Mitsubishi 2.6L four cylinder) only because the chain guides wore out and the chain was slopping around and making grinding noises.
If you don't hear any weird noises-don't worry about it.
The V8's have timing chains and they last many decades, V6's are no different.

this is for Flashfox or anyone that can help!

I'm also in the process of replacing the broken timing belt on my 92 plymouth voyager...

I'm stuck at the fly wheel bolt !? Can't get it off. I don't have the manual yet, had to order it because was out of stock (local CTC). Probably wont get til Wednesday.

Can you give me any sugestions on how to hold the fly wheel so I can crack the nut. Is it reverse threaded ?

Thanks
Wayne

Nah, regular threads.
Do you mean the crank pulley bolt?
If so-remove the starter/stick a screwdriver in the flywheel gear teeth and jam it up against the trans case/block in the direction you're turning the bolt. Holds it still nicely, but you might need a helper to do this unless ya gots really long arms :D

hmmmmmm sounds like you need an air compressor and a impact gun :)

hmmmmmm sounds like you need an air compressor and a impact gun :)

Nope, just a 1/2" drive ratchet and a buddy holding a screwdriver in the works.

If you don't have an impact gun, clamp the flywheel with a good vicegrip and remove the crank bolt.

Ya I managed to get it off. I guess because it was my first time removing it I was a little scared I might break something.

What I did was I made a tool that would bolt onto the pulley via pulley bolt holes, and that held it for me.

Then it was smooth sailing from there.

Cheer's