Engine Timing Set Guide for 1970-1978 Chrysler Town & Country V8
Keep your classic Chrysler's V8 engine running strong and prevent catastrophic failure by choosing the right timing components.
- An aftermarket timing set with all-metal gears is a significant durability upgrade over the original nylon-toothed gear.
- A rattling noise from the front of the engine is the most common symptom of a failing timing chain and should be addressed immediately.
- Driving with a suspected bad timing chain can lead to catastrophic engine failure; the vehicle should not be driven.
- It is critical to know if your engine has a single-bolt or three-bolt camshaft before ordering a new timing set.
Is Your Chrysler's Timing Chain Failing?
The timing set is a critical wear item in your 1970-1978 Town & Country's engine. The original factory-installed camshaft gears often featured nylon teeth that degrade after decades of use. When these teeth chip and break away, the timing chain loses tension. This slack can cause a number of problems, from annoying noises to complete engine failure. Because these are interference engines, a broken or jumped chain can cause the pistons to hit the valves, resulting in a very expensive repair.
Symptoms of a Worn Timing Set
- Rattling or Slapping Noise: The most common sign is a distinct rattling sound coming from the front of the engine, especially noticeable at idle. This is the sound of the loose chain slapping against the inside of the metal timing cover.
- Rough Idle and Poor Performance: As the chain stretches, it can slightly alter the camshaft timing. This can lead to a rough or unstable idle, engine sputtering, and a general loss of power.
- Engine Misfires: Incorrect cam timing can cause the engine to misfire.
- Metal or Plastic in Engine Oil: When changing your oil, finding small bits of plastic (from the nylon gear teeth) or metal shavings in the drained oil is a sure sign of a failing timing set.
Warning: Do Not Ignore Symptoms
If you suspect your timing chain is failing, it is not safe to drive the vehicle. A chain that jumps a tooth or breaks can cause catastrophic, non-repairable damage to your engine's pistons and valves.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Timing Set
For this specific vehicle, replacing the original timing set with an aftermarket version is a significant upgrade. Aftermarket sets replace the failure-prone nylon-toothed cam gear with a durable all-metal (cast iron or steel) sprocket, providing much greater longevity.
Brand & Quality Tiers
Your choice of brand depends on your engine and how you use your vehicle.
- Performance Upgrade (Edelbrock, Melling Select Performance): These brands are ideal for modified engines or for owners who want the highest level of durability. They often feature billet steel gears and "double roller" chains, which are stronger and provide more precise timing than standard chains. Forum users often report excellent long-term reliability with these brands.
- Standard Replacement (Cloyes, Melling): For a stock or daily-driven engine, Cloyes and Melling are trusted names that offer excellent quality. They are considered the go-to for standard, reliable replacements and are a huge improvement over the original nylon sets. While some online discussions mention quality variations in lower-end product lines, their primary timing sets for these V8s are well-regarded.
- OEM Equivalent (INA): INA is a well-known manufacturer of OEM timing components, though they are more commonly associated with European vehicles. While less common in the classic Mopar community, an INA set would be a quality replacement if available for your specific engine.
Pro Tip: Single Bolt vs. Three Bolt Cam
When ordering, you must know if your engine's camshaft uses a single-bolt or three-bolt design to attach the cam gear. Many stock Chrysler big-block engines of this era use a single-bolt cam. If you are unsure, you may need to remove the timing cover to verify before ordering the part.
Estimated Replacement Costs
The cost to replace a timing set can vary based on the parts you choose and local labor rates.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Timing Set | $32 - $318 |
| Shop Labor | $480 - $720 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $512 - $1,038 |
Cost estimates are based on the provided part price range and an estimated 4-6 hours of labor at a rate of $120/hour. Prices will vary by location and parts chosen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a single or double roller chain?
For a stock engine, a quality standard "silent" link-belt or single roller chain is perfectly adequate and will be quieter. A double roller chain offers extra strength and timing stability, making it a good choice for high-performance engines or for maximum peace of mind. Many performance kits from brands like Edelbrock are double roller.
Should I replace the water pump and other parts at the same time?
Yes. The replacement procedure requires removing the water pump and timing cover. It is highly recommended to replace the water pump, timing cover gasket, and front crankshaft seal at the same time to prevent future leaks and save on redundant labor costs.
Are there any recalls for the timing set on my Town & Country?
No. Searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database show no recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) related to the engine timing set for the 1970-1978 Chrysler Town & Country.
Is this a difficult job to do myself?
This is a moderately difficult job for a DIY mechanic. It requires draining coolant, removing the radiator, belts, pulleys, harmonic balancer (which requires a special puller tool), water pump, and timing cover. If you are not comfortable with this level of disassembly, it is best left to a professional mechanic.
Technical Specifications
Vehicle may be equipped with a Chrysler LA-series small block (e.g., 360) or B/RB-series big block (e.g., 400, 440) V8 engine. Timing sets are specific to the engine family. The camshaft gear is secured by either a single bolt or three bolts, which must be verified before ordering.
We Have This Part in Stock
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.