Chrysler New Yorker Engine Timing Set Guide: 1963-1969
Everything you need to know about replacing the timing set on your classic 413 or 440-powered New Yorker.
- The original factory camshaft gear has nylon teeth and is a known failure point; it should be replaced on any high-mileage or restored engine.
- Upgrading to an all-metal, double roller timing set from a brand like Cloyes, Melling, or Edelbrock is a common and recommended improvement for durability.
- For most stock engines, you will need a single-bolt camshaft sprocket.
- This is a DIY-feasible job for an experienced mechanic, but it requires a harmonic balancer puller and careful attention to gaskets to prevent oil leaks.
Is Your New Yorker's Timing Chain on its Last Legs?
The original timing sets on many 1960s Chrysler engines, including the big-block V8s in your New Yorker, had a significant weak point. To make the engine run quieter, the camshaft sprocket was made with nylon-coated aluminum teeth. While this worked, the nylon material becomes brittle over time due to decades of heat cycles and exposure to engine oil. After about 50,000 miles, and certainly after 50+ years, these nylon teeth are known to crack, break off, and fall into the oil pan. This can clog the oil pump pickup screen, leading to oil starvation, or cause the chain to jump a tooth, throwing off your engine's timing. If you have the original timing set, it's not a matter of if it will fail, but when.
Warning Signs of a Failing Timing Set
- Rattling Noise: The most common symptom is a rattling or slapping sound from the front of the engine, especially noticeable at idle or on a cold start. This is often the sound of a stretched chain hitting the inside of the timing cover.
- Engine Misfires & Rough Idle: If the chain has stretched or jumped a tooth, the camshaft and crankshaft will no longer be in sync. This can cause the engine to run rough, misfire, or feel down on power.
- Metal Shavings in Oil: When the nylon teeth break apart or a metal set wears, small pieces can end up in the engine oil and oil pan. You might notice this during an oil change.
- Engine Won't Start: In a worst-case scenario, a broken chain or a chain that has jumped multiple teeth will prevent the engine from starting at all.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Timing Set
Today's aftermarket timing sets are a significant upgrade over the original factory parts. The weak nylon-toothed cam gear is replaced with a durable all-metal sprocket, usually made of cast iron or steel. Many owners also choose to upgrade from a standard "silent" type chain to a more robust double roller chain for maximum durability, even on a stock engine.
Brand Quality Tiers
When shopping for a new timing set for your New Yorker, you'll find several reputable brands. They generally fall into these categories:
- Standard Replacement (Good): Brands like Cloyes and Melling offer excellent quality, USA-made standard replacement sets. These often feature all-metal gears, replacing the problematic OEM nylon gear, and provide reliable, long-lasting performance for a daily driver or stock restoration.
- Heavy-Duty / Performance (Better): For added peace of mind and durability, a double roller timing set is a popular upgrade. Cloyes, Melling Select Performance, and Edelbrock (Performer-Link) all offer high-quality double roller kits. These sets feature a stronger, two-row chain that is less prone to stretching. Many Mopar enthusiasts consider this a worthwhile upgrade for any big-block engine. Some of these kits also offer multiple keyways on the crankshaft sprocket, allowing for advanced or retarded cam timing for performance tuning.
- Professional / Racing (Best): For high-performance or racing builds, brands like Edelbrock and others offer billet steel gears and premium pre-stretched chains. These are typically overkill for a stock or mildly modified street engine but offer the ultimate in strength and timing accuracy.
Pro Tip: For most 1963-1969 New Yorkers with a stock camshaft, you will need a single-bolt camshaft sprocket. Three-bolt sprockets are typically used for aftermarket performance camshafts. Always verify which one you need before ordering.
| Quality Tier | Common Brands | Estimated Part Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Replacement (All-Metal) | Cloyes, Melling | $43 - $75 |
| Heavy-Duty (Double Roller) | Cloyes, Melling, Edelbrock | $75 - $130 |
| Performance / Billet | Edelbrock, Melling Select Performance | $130 - $168 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is replacing the timing set a DIY job?
For an experienced home mechanic, yes. The job can be done with the engine in the car. It requires removing the radiator, fan, water pump, and harmonic balancer. You will need a special tool—a harmonic balancer puller—to do this without causing damage. Care must be taken when dealing with the gaskets, especially where the timing cover meets the oil pan, to prevent leaks.
What is a "double roller" chain and do I need one?
A double roller chain is a stronger, more durable design than the stock single-row "silent" chain. It has two rows of rollers and links, which makes it more resistant to stretching over time. While not strictly necessary for a stock engine, many Mopar owners consider it a smart and affordable upgrade for long-term reliability, especially since the original design is a known weak point.
Are there any recalls for the timing chain on my New Yorker?
No, searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database show no recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) specifically for the timing chain on 1963-1969 Chrysler New Yorkers. The use of a nylon gear was a design choice of the era with a known service life, not a manufacturing defect that would trigger a recall.
Should I replace the water pump at the same time?
Yes, it is highly recommended. You have to remove the water pump to get to the timing cover anyway. Replacing it at the same time is cheap insurance and saves you from having to do the same labor all over again if the water pump fails soon after.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 2532490
Fits Chrysler big-block 'B' and 'RB' engines (413, 440 V8). Most original applications use a single-bolt camshaft sprocket. Aftermarket options include standard silent chains and upgraded double roller chains. Gears are typically cast iron or steel.
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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.