I have to replace the water pump on my '64 Valiant 225 and thought I would change the timing chain as long as I was working on the front of the engine. There doesn't appear to be much slop in the chain, but I think it's the original because it looks like the cover has never been removed. I don't know how many miles are on the engine, but because of it's age I'm concerned about the nylon cam gear becoming brittle.

I'm not even sure if they had nylon gears in '64, but hate to have a breakdown that could easily be prevented. Opinions?

lancer_41@excite.com

Gary,

The timing chain isn't necessarily "just in the neighborhood" when it comes to water pumps. I don't know how many miles you have on your engine, or how hard you run it. If you have a ton of miles, or run the stink out of it, I'd say go for it. Also, if you were changing the front main seal, ditto. Finally, I'd suggest checking it with a timing light. If the marks are wandering around, swap the chain and gears.

In summary, I'd definately recommend maybe considering changing it if you have the time and bucks The on/off of the harmionic balancer will be the biggest chore.

Gilly

tlg225ccr@aol.com

I would change it if you have no clue how old it is. Better to KNOW its good then to risk it. You may want to search around a bit about some chain upgrades. I think you can use a some BB timing parts to get a double roller.

tjszubart@Excite.com

The guy I bought it from owned it for 17 years and all he drove it was in a parade once a year.

I fully expected it to use oil from crumbled valve stem seals, but I've put about 800 miles on it since I changed oil and it's barely down on the dipstick.

I have no idea how many miles are on the car, but everything looks original and it indicates 31,000. The previous owner said he thinks that might be actual mileage and I wouldn't be surprised by the way it runs. The shocks were Mopars, so if they had been changed, it had been done at the dealer. Most of the repairs I had to make were because of age, not miles.

No problem changing the chain plus I have a stock replacement and a gasket kit on the shelf. I already have a timing chain cover painted with a new seal installed so I think it's what I'm going to do. I have to remove some of the bolts to install my A/C brackets and as long as I'm that far it's no big thing to change.

Thanks for the input guys!



lancer_41@excite.com

In 64 the factory was using the metal (cast iron) gears so you do not have to worry about plastic teeth breaking.

I have seen the early (metal gears) go 300K+, to the point where the chain was so streached that it rubs a hole in the T. Cover! This will run the cam timing late but the chain did not "jump teeth".
"If it's not broke, don't fix it" may apply here.
Counterpoint, you can *degree-in* your cam if you go in there to change the chain set. (put 2-4º advance on it) Doing that could find some lost power / performance, it's your call.
DD