Stud through timing belt cover backed out - 4.0L Pacifica
 

Hi guys, in the middle of changing the timing belt on my 07 Pacifica 4.0L and there is a stud that protrudes through the timing belt cover. It simply has a nut on it holding the metal plate on there, along with a dozen or so 10mm bolt. When I went to remove the nut on the stud, the stud backed out with it. Eventually as the stud was backing out, the nut broke free. Now the stud is nearly out all the way, and I can't get it to tighten into the block or wherever it's supposed to be. It's sort of slanted at an angle, and I'm not able to get it to tighten into the threads it goes in. Does anyone have an idea what this stud's purpose is? I can take a picture if needed. Please help.

i believe the stud you are referring to is one of the studs holding the timing belt cover. It is important, but not a deal killer since Chrysler provides a goodly number of bolts/studs holding the cover in place. I typically jamb a 2x4 or big ass pry bar in-between the engine and frame to scoot the engine over to gain clearance in such situations. To be really effective you will need two persons, one prying and one wrenching.