Engine Timing Set Guide for 1987-2000 Chrysler Town & Country
Keep your Town & Country's V6 engine running strong by understanding timing set replacement.
- The 3.3L and 3.8L V6 are interference engines; a broken timing chain will cause catastrophic damage.
- A rattling noise from the front of the engine is the most common symptom of a failing timing chain and should be inspected immediately.
- This is a labor-intensive repair; while the part is inexpensive, expect high labor costs. It is not recommended for a novice DIYer.
- Choose a high-quality aftermarket brand like Melling or Cloyes to ensure reliability and avoid repeating this difficult job.
Is Your Town & Country's Timing Chain Failing?
The timing chains in the 3.3L and 3.8L V6 engines are known to be very durable, often lasting over 200,000 miles with good maintenance. However, they can wear out. When a timing chain becomes loose or a tensioner fails, you will notice specific warning signs.
Key Failure Symptoms:
- Engine Rattle: The most common symptom is a rattling or scraping sound coming from the front of the engine, especially noticeable at idle or on a cold start. 🎬 Watch: Hear what a noisy 3.8L engine sounds like. This is the sound of the loose chain slapping against the inside of the timing cover.
- Rough Running and Misfires: A stretched chain can jump a tooth on the gears, throwing off the engine's timing. This can cause the engine to run rough, misfire, or sputter during acceleration.
- Check Engine Light: If the timing is off enough, the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors will detect a problem. This can trigger the check engine light with a code like P0016 (Cam/Crank Position Correlation).
- Metal Shavings in Oil: During an oil change, finding fine metal shavings in the used oil is a serious red flag. This indicates the chain and gears are wearing down and shedding metal into the engine.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Timing Set
When replacing your timing set, you have a few trusted aftermarket options. For a critical component like this, brand reputation matters more than saving a few dollars.
Brand Tiers for Your Chrysler
- Tier 1: Melling & Cloyes
Both Melling and Cloyes are well-respected American brands with a long history of making quality timing components. They are often the top choice for professional mechanics. While both are generally excellent, some recent online reviews for other vehicles have mentioned quality control issues with Cloyes, with new chains having too much slack. 🎬 See this video on common timing chain and gear issues. Melling has a consistently strong reputation for quality and fit. For this job, either brand is a solid choice, but Melling may have a slight edge in consistent quality. - Tier 2: Crown Automotive
Crown Automotive is a major supplier of parts for Chrysler and Jeep vehicles. While they offer a wide range of components, some mechanics in forums note that their parts can sometimes have fitment issues compared to brands that specialize in engine internals. For a less critical part, Crown is often fine, but for a labor-intensive job like a timing set, sticking with a Tier 1 brand is a safer bet.
Cost to Replace a Town & Country Timing Set
The majority of the cost for this repair is labor. Accessing the timing set requires removing many other components first.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Timing Set | $60 - $90 |
| Shop Labor | $1,300 - $1,900 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,360 - $1,990 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to replace the water pump at the same time?
Yes. The water pump must be removed to access the timing cover. Since you are already paying for the labor to remove it, it is highly recommended to install a new water pump at the same time to prevent future leaks and save on a separate repair job down the road.
🎬 Watch: Step-by-step tutorial for replacing the water pump.Is this a DIY job?
This is an advanced repair. It requires draining the oil and coolant, removing the serpentine belt and accessories, the harmonic balancer, the oil pan, and the timing cover. It is not recommended for beginners. For most owners, this job is best left to a professional mechanic.
My van is a 1988 model. Does this guide apply?
No. The 1987-1989 Town & Country was a station wagon, not a minivan, and used 4-cylinder engines. This guide is specific to the V6 engines used in the minivan models from 1990 to 2000.
Are there any recalls for the timing chain?
No. There have been no recalls or widespread issues reported to the NHTSA for the timing chain on 1990-2000 Chrysler Town & Country models. These timing systems are generally very reliable.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 4666059AA 4740275
Fits 3.3L and 3.8L OHV V6 engines. Kit typically includes a timing chain, camshaft sprocket, and crankshaft sprocket.
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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.
- Chrysler Town & Country: