Chrysler Fifth Avenue Engine Timing Set Replacement Guide (1983-1989)
Keep your Fifth Avenue's 5.2L V8 running strong by understanding when and how to replace its timing set.
- The original nylon-toothed cam gear is a known failure point; any aftermarket all-metal set is an upgrade.
- Symptoms include engine rattle, poor performance, and hard starting.
- It is highly recommended to also replace the water pump, timing cover gasket, and front crank seal during the job.
- Brands like Melling and Cloyes are reliable choices for a stock engine, with double roller sets offering added durability.
Is Your Fifth Avenue's Timing Chain on its Last Legs?
If you own a 1983-1989 Chrysler Fifth Avenue, it's not a matter of if the timing chain will need to be replaced, but when. The 5.2L (318) V8 engine in these cars often came from the factory with a camshaft sprocket that had nylon-coated teeth. After decades of heat and use, this nylon becomes brittle. It can crack, break off, and fall into your oil pan. This can clog the oil pump's pickup tube, starving the engine of oil. At the same time, the chain itself stretches, creating slack that throws off your engine's timing.
Symptoms of a Worn Timing Set
A failing timing chain gives you warning signs. You might notice them slowly at first, but they will get worse.
- Rattling Noise: The most common sign is a rattling or slapping noise from the front of the engine, especially at idle. This is the sound of the loose chain hitting the inside of the metal timing cover.
- Poor Engine Performance: Your V8 might feel sluggish, hesitate when you accelerate from a stop, or idle roughly. This happens because the chain slack has retarded the valve timing, reducing power and efficiency.
- Hard Starting: An engine with a stretched timing chain can be difficult to start.
- Metal Shavings in Oil: While not always visible, pieces of the broken nylon gear teeth can be found in the oil pan during an oil change. This is a definite sign that a replacement is needed immediately.
Quick Check for Slack
You can do a quick check for timing chain slack without taking the engine apart. Remove the distributor cap. Using a socket and ratchet on the large crankshaft bolt at the front of the engine, turn the engine clockwise until you see the distributor rotor just begin to move. Mark the position of the harmonic balancer. Now, slowly turn the crankshaft counter-clockwise until the rotor just begins to move again. If the balancer moves more than about 8-10 degrees before the rotor moves, you have excessive slack and the timing set should be replaced.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Timing Set
Original Mopar parts for this repair are scarce. The good news is that aftermarket parts are readily available and are often an upgrade over the original design. Any quality aftermarket set will have an all-metal camshaft sprocket, eliminating the problematic nylon teeth.
Brand Quality Tiers
When shopping for a new timing set, you'll find several brands. They generally fall into a few quality and performance tiers.
- Standard Replacement (Good): Brands like Cloyes and Melling offer standard replacement kits that are excellent for a daily driver. These kits feature all-steel sprockets and are a direct replacement for the factory parts. They are a reliable and affordable choice that will restore your engine's performance. While Cloyes is a historic brand, some recent online discussions mention concerns about quality consistency on their lower-priced lines, so inspect the part upon arrival.
- Heavy-Duty / Double Roller (Better): For added durability, consider a double roller timing set. Brands like Melling Select Performance or higher-end Cloyes kits offer these. A double roller chain is stronger and less prone to stretching than a standard chain. While it might be considered overkill for a stock engine, it provides extra peace of mind, especially if you plan on keeping your Fifth Avenue for a long time.
- INA: INA is a well-known OEM supplier for many car brands. While they produce high-quality components, they are less commonly discussed in Mopar forums for this specific application compared to Cloyes and Melling. Their products should be considered a reliable standard replacement if available.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Quality
For this specific part on your 1983-1989 Fifth Avenue, a quality aftermarket timing set is superior to the original factory part. The use of an all-steel camshaft gear in aftermarket kits is a significant reliability upgrade over the factory nylon-toothed gear. Do not seek out a New Old Stock (NOS) Mopar part unless it is for a 100% historically accurate restoration, as it will likely have the same nylon gear design flaw.
Estimated Costs for Timing Set Replacement
| Part or Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Timing Set | $32 - $168 |
| Shop Labor | $450 - $750 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $482 - $918 |
Note: Costs are estimates and can vary based on your location, the specific parts chosen, and your mechanic's labor rate. It is also highly recommended to replace the timing cover gasket, front crankshaft seal, and possibly the water pump at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 5.2L V8 an interference engine?
The Chrysler 5.2L (318) V8 is generally considered a non-interference engine. This means if the timing chain were to break completely, the pistons should not crash into the valves. However, a broken chain can still cause other internal damage, so it should never be ignored.
Should I replace the water pump at the same time?
Yes, it is highly recommended. The timing chain replacement requires removing the water pump for access. Since you are already paying for the labor to remove it, replacing the water pump at the same time with a new one is a smart and cost-effective preventative measure.
What other parts should I buy with my timing set?
You will absolutely need a timing cover gasket set, which includes the main cover gasket and the front crankshaft seal. You should also have fresh engine oil, a new oil filter, and coolant on hand to refill the engine after the job is complete.
Are there any recalls for the timing chain on my Fifth Avenue?
No, there are no NHTSA recalls or widespread Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the timing set on the 1983-1989 Chrysler Fifth Avenue. The issues with the original parts are due to age and material design, which is considered normal wear and tear for a vehicle of this vintage.
Technical Specifications
Engine Application: Chrysler 5.2L (318 c.i.) LA-series V8. Chain Type: Single or Double Roller. Cam Sprocket Material: Steel (Aftermarket). Crank Sprocket Material: Steel.
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.
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