Engine Timing Set Guide for the 1964-1977 Ford Custom 500
Keep your classic Ford's engine in sync with the right timing set replacement.
- The original nylon-toothed cam gear is a known failure point and should be replaced proactively.
- Upgrading to an all-metal, double-roller timing set from a brand like Cloyes or Melling is a reliable choice for most owners.
- Ensure you buy the correct timing set for your specific engine (e.g., Windsor vs. FE), as they are not interchangeable.
- While replacing the timing set, it is wise to also replace the timing cover gasket and front crankshaft seal.
Is Your Ford Custom 500's Timing Set Failing?
For a classic car like the 1964-1977 Ford Custom 500, the original timing set is a known weak point, especially after decades of use. The biggest issue was the factory's use of a camshaft sprocket with nylon-coated teeth. This was done to make the engine run quieter. Over time, the nylon becomes brittle, cracks, and breaks off. These pieces can fall into the oil pan, potentially clogging the oil pump pickup screen and starving the engine of oil.
Key Symptoms of a Worn Timing Set:
- Engine Rattle: A slapping or rattling noise from the front of the engine is a common sign of a loose timing chain. This may be most noticeable on startup.
- Poor Performance: As the chain stretches or "jumps a tooth," the camshaft and crankshaft fall out of sync. This retards the valve timing, leading to a loss of low-end torque, rough or wandering idle, and general sluggishness.
- Backfiring: Incorrect timing can cause the engine to backfire through the carburetor or exhaust.
- No-Start Condition: If the chain stretches too much or breaks, the valve timing will be so far off that the engine won't start at all.
The Nylon Gear Problem
If you have a 1964-1977 Ford Custom 500 with its original engine, it is very likely it has a nylon-toothed camshaft gear. It is not a question of if it will fail, but when. It is highly recommended to replace it with a full-metal aftermarket set as a preventative measure, even if you don't have symptoms yet.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Timing Set
When replacing the timing set on your Custom 500, you are upgrading from the original design. Aftermarket sets replace the failure-prone nylon-toothed cam gear with a durable all-metal (iron or steel) one. The most common upgrade is to a "double roller" chain and sprocket set, which is stronger and more accurate than the original link-type chain.
Brand Tiers for Your Ford
Your choice of brand depends on your engine and how you use your car.
- Good (Standard Replacement): Brands like Cloyes and Melling offer excellent quality standard replacement sets. They are a significant upgrade over the stock parts and are perfect for a daily driver or stock restoration. Many forum users have used Cloyes and Melling parts for years with good results.
- Better (Performance Street): For those with mild performance upgrades, brands like Edelbrock and Ford Performance offer heavy-duty sets. These often feature billet steel gears and multiple keyways on the crankshaft sprocket. These keyways allow for advancing or retarding the cam timing to shift the engine's power band, a feature useful for tuned engines.
- Best (High Performance/Racing): For highly modified engines, brands like Melling Select Performance offer top-tier components designed for the stresses of racing. These often include billet steel gears and premium chains.
Pro Tip: Check for Cam Timing Adjustments
Some factory timing sets from the 1970s were designed with built-in timing retard to meet emissions standards. When buying a replacement, especially a performance set, look for one that offers a "straight-up" or zero-degree setting to restore performance. Many performance sets offer multiple keyways (e.g., 3-way or 9-way adjustable) to fine-tune this.
| Part Quality | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Replacement (e.g., Cloyes, Melling) | $29.79 - $70.00 |
| Performance Street (e.g., Edelbrock, Ford Performance) | $70.00 - $151.47+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to replace anything else with the timing set?
Yes. While you have the timing cover off, it is the perfect time to replace the timing cover gasket, front crankshaft seal, and water pump gaskets. It's also a good idea to inspect the water pump itself. When installing the new set, remember to discard the original C-shaped spacer washer if found, as new sprockets have this built-in.
What's the difference between a standard chain and a double roller?
The original chain was a flat link-type design. A double roller chain uses two rows of rollers and teeth, making it much stronger and less prone to stretching over time. For any Ford V8, a double roller is a recommended and affordable upgrade.
My engine is a 351W (Windsor). Is the timing set the same as for a 390 (FE)?
No. The Ford Custom 500 used different engine families over its production run, including inline-sixes, Windsor small-blocks (289, 302, 351W), and FE big-blocks (352, 390, 428). The timing set is specific to the engine family. Always verify you are buying the correct set for your specific engine.
How can I check if my timing chain is loose?
A simple way is to remove the distributor cap and turn the engine over by hand using a wrench on the crankshaft bolt. Rotate the crank back and forth and watch the distributor rotor. If you can move the crankshaft more than about 10-15 degrees before the rotor begins to move, the chain has excessive slack and should be replaced.
Technical Specifications
The primary known issue for the 1964-1977 Ford Custom 500 is the original camshaft sprocket which featured nylon-coated teeth for quieter operation. These teeth become brittle with age and break off, causing chain slack, potential oil starvation from a clogged oil pump screen, and eventual timing failure. Aftermarket replacements universally use all-metal (iron or steel) sprockets to solve this problem. Many are also upgraded to a double-roller chain design for increased strength and accuracy. No official recalls or TSBs from NHTSA were found for this specific issue, as it is a wear-and-tear problem addressed by the aftermarket industry decades ago.
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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.