A Complete Guide to the Engine Timing Set for the 1971-1977 Dodge Dart
Keep your classic Dart's Slant 6 or V8 engine running strong and in sync with the right timing set.
- The original nylon cam gear is a known failure point; replacing it with an all-metal aftermarket set is a critical upgrade.
- Symptoms of failure include engine rattle, loss of power, and unstable timing.
- It is highly recommended to clean the oil pan of debris and replace the water pump during the job.
- For most stock engines, a quality standard replacement set from a brand like Melling or Cloyes is sufficient.
Is Your Dart's Timing Set Failing?
The original timing sets in many 1971-1977 Dodge Darts, for both Slant 6 and V8 engines, 🎬 See this step-by-step Slant 6 timing set replacement guide. had a weak point. The larger gear on the camshaft was made with nylon plastic teeth to keep the engine quiet. After decades of heat and age, these plastic teeth become brittle, crack, and can break off completely. When this happens, your engine's timing can jump, causing it to run poorly or not at all. Worse, the broken plastic pieces fall into the oil pan, where they can be sucked up and clog the oil pump's pickup screen, starving the engine of oil. This can lead to major engine damage. All modern aftermarket replacements use durable all-metal gears, making them a crucial reliability upgrade.
Common Symptoms of a Bad Timing Set:
- Rattling Noise from the Front of the Engine: A stretched chain will often make a rattling or slapping sound, which is most noticeable when the engine is idling or during startup.
- Poor Engine Performance: As the chain stretches, it retards the camshaft's timing. This can cause a loss of power, especially at low speeds, a rough idle, and hesitation when you try to accelerate.
- Unstable Ignition Timing: If you check your ignition timing with a timing light, a loose chain will cause the mark to jump around instead of staying in one place. 🎬 Watch: How to check your timing chain in five minutes.
- Engine Backfiring: In cases of a very loose chain, the engine may backfire when you let off the gas.
- Engine Won't Start: If the chain has stretched enough to jump a tooth on the gears, the timing will be so far off that the engine may be very hard to start or won't run at all.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Timing Set
Since original-style nylon gears are no longer used, any new aftermarket set is an upgrade. The choice comes down to your engine and how you use your Dart.
| Brand Tier | Brands | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Replacement | Cloyes, Melling, INA | Daily drivers and stock engine rebuilds. These offer a durable all-metal replacement for the failure-prone original. Melling and Cloyes are well-regarded 🎬 Watch a mechanic install a new timing chain on a 318. brands in classic Mopar forums. |
| Performance / Heavy-Duty | Edelbrock, Melling Select Performance, Rollmaster | Modified engines or for owners wanting maximum durability. These often feature stronger "double roller" chains and billet steel gears to reduce chain stretch and improve timing accuracy. Some kits also have multiple keyways to allow for performance timing adjustments. |
Pro Tip: When replacing your timing set, it is the perfect time to also replace the water pump, timing cover gasket, and front crankshaft seal. You should also remove the oil pan to clean out any broken plastic debris from the old gear to prevent future oiling problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I replace my Dart's timing set?
There is no set mileage interval. However, if your engine has over 100,000 miles and still has the original nylon gear, it's wise to replace it as a preventive measure. Otherwise, you should replace it as soon as you notice any symptoms like chain rattle or wandering timing.
What is the difference between a single and double roller chain?
A standard chain is a simple link-belt design. A roller chain has small rollers that reduce friction and wear, helping it last longer. A double roller chain is essentially two roller chains side-by-side, offering even more strength and durability for high-performance applications. For most stock Darts, a quality single roller or standard replacement set is sufficient.
Is OEM or Aftermarket better for my 1971-1977 Dart?
For this specific part, aftermarket is a significant upgrade. Modern aftermarket sets replace the original failure-prone nylon camshaft gear with a durable all-metal gear. This eliminates the most common point of failure in the original design.
Were there any recalls for the timing set on these Darts?
No. While there were recalls for the 1971-1977 Dodge Dart, none were related to the engine's timing chain or gears.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
Vehicle engines include the 225 Slant 6, 318 V8, 340 V8, and 360 V8. Timing sets consist of a crankshaft sprocket, a camshaft sprocket, and a timing chain. Aftermarket options include standard link-belt, single roller, and double roller chains.
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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.