360 original timing chain ?

[supercab78]

I have a 360 in a 1979 dodge van, it has 91.000 miles on it. I'm hoping some of you guys have some experience with these older engines and can advise me about the timing chain. It has the original timing chain in it. I was wondering if these chains were nylon(plastic) and are known to go out or do they last for alot more miles than 91K. Thanks!

 

[340mopar]

My money is on that it has a nylon cam gear. Although I have not torn down a '79 yet, I have torn down 360's on both sides of yours and they had nylon cam gears. You can check how loose it is by taking off the distributor cap and turn the crank back and forth to see how much movement there is on the crank before the rotor turns.


Chuck

 

[abodyjoe]

most likely nylon and yes they go.. from what i remember at 100,000 miles you were lucky if you hadn't changed it already.

 

[supercab78]

Ive not been into chrysler engines before. Will I have to drop the pan in order to get to the t-chain cover off?

 

[abodyjoe]

no.. don't have to drop the pan.