Engine Timing Set Guide for the 1956-1964 Dodge Coronet
Keep your classic Coronet's engine running strong by understanding when and how to replace its vital timing set.
- You must correctly identify your Coronet's engine (I-6, Poly V8, etc.) before ordering a timing set, as they are engine-specific.
- A rattling sound from the front of the engine at idle is the most common sign of a worn timing chain.
- For this classic car, a quality aftermarket timing set from a brand like Cloyes or Melling is the standard and reliable choice.
- Upgrading to a double roller timing set from a brand like Edelbrock provides superior strength and longevity, especially for modified engines.
Is Your Coronet's Timing Set Original?
The 1956-1964 Dodge Coronet was available with several different engines, from the 230 cid I-6 to various V8s like the 270, 315, and the popular 318 Polyspherical ('Poly'). It is absolutely critical to identify which engine is in your car before ordering parts. Some original Mopar engines from this era used a camshaft sprocket with nylon-coated teeth to reduce noise. After decades of heat and use, this nylon can become brittle, break off, and cause the chain to jump a tooth or fail completely. If your engine has high mileage and an unknown history, it's wise to inspect the timing set. A worn chain can significantly retard cam timing, leading to poor idle and a noticeable loss of power.
Symptoms of a Failing Timing Set
A worn or failing timing set will usually provide clear warning signs. Ignoring them can lead to major engine damage.
- Rattling Noise from the Front of the Engine: This is the most common symptom. A stretched or loose timing chain will slap against the inside of the timing cover, creating a distinct rattling sound, especially at idle or on a cold start.
- Poor Engine Performance and Rough Idle: As the chain stretches, it alters the camshaft timing. This can cause a rough or unstable idle, hesitation, backfiring, and a general lack of power.
- Engine Misfires: If the chain stretches enough to jump a tooth on one of the sprockets, the valve timing will be incorrect, leading to engine misfires.
- Metal Shavings in Engine Oil: During an oil change, finding small metal shavings in the drained oil or on the magnetic drain plug is a serious red flag. These could be bits of the timing chain or sprockets wearing away.
Check for Slack Manually
A simple way to check for a worn chain on these older engines is to remove the distributor cap and watch the rotor. With a wrench on the crankshaft bolt, slowly turn the engine by hand in one direction until the rotor just begins to move. Mark the position of the harmonic balancer. Now, slowly turn the crank in the opposite direction until the rotor just begins to move again. The amount of crankshaft rotation before the rotor moves indicates the slack in the chain. More than a few degrees of slack suggests the set is worn and should be replaced.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Timing Set
For a vehicle of this age, high-quality aftermarket parts are the standard, as original OEM parts are generally unavailable. The brands available offer different tiers of quality and performance.
Standard Replacement Brands
Cloyes & Melling (Standard): Both Cloyes and Melling are well-respected American brands known for producing reliable, OEM-quality replacement parts. Forum members frequently recommend Cloyes for classic Mopar engines. These are excellent choices for a stock engine rebuild or a daily driver, offering durability with all-steel sprockets that eliminate the risk of failing nylon teeth.
Performance Upgrade Brands
Edelbrock & Melling Select Performance: For those looking for added strength and precision, brands like Edelbrock offer performance-oriented timing sets. These often feature a 'double roller' chain, which is significantly stronger and more durable than the standard 'silent' type chain. Many performance sets also have multiple keyways on the crankshaft sprocket, allowing a builder to advance or retard the cam timing by a few degrees to shift the engine's power band. This is a great upgrade for a modified or high-performance engine build.
Aftermarket Engine Timing Set Cost for 1956-1964 Dodge Coronet
| Part Tier | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Replacement (e.g., Cloyes, Melling) | $45 - $90 |
| Performance/Heavy-Duty (e.g., Edelbrock, Melling Select) | $90 - $168 |
(Prices are estimates and subject to change.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is an aftermarket timing set as good as OEM for my Coronet?
Yes. For a classic vehicle like this, new OEM parts are virtually nonexistent. Reputable aftermarket brands like Cloyes, Melling, and Edelbrock manufacture parts that meet or exceed the original specifications. Upgraded sets with all-steel gears and double-roller chains are significantly more durable than the original nylon-toothed sprockets.
What is the difference between a single roller and a double roller chain?
A double roller chain has two sets of rollers and links side-by-side, making it much stronger and more resistant to stretching than a standard single roller or 'silent' chain. It's considered a performance upgrade that provides greater timing stability and a longer service life, especially for higher-horsepower engines.
If I replace the timing set, what else should I do?
Since replacing the timing set requires removing the water pump and timing cover, it's the perfect time to replace the timing cover gasket, front crankshaft seal, and any water pump gaskets. It's also a good opportunity to inspect the water pump and harmonic balancer for wear.
Are there any recalls for the timing set on a 1956-1964 Coronet?
No, there are no active recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to the engine timing set for these vehicles. Any failures today are due to the age and wear of the original components.
Technical Specifications
Chain Type: Silent (standard), Single Roller, or Double Roller (performance). Sprocket Material: Cast iron or billet steel. Some original camshaft sprockets used nylon-coated teeth. Adjustability: Performance sets may offer multiple keyways for timing adjustments.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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- Is Your Coronet's Timing Set Original?
- Symptoms of a Failing Timing Set
- Check for Slack Manually
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Timing Set
- Standard Replacement Brands
- Performance Upgrade Brands
- Aftermarket Engine Timing Set Cost for 1956-1964 Dodge Coronet
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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