A Ford Owner's Guide to the 1962-1968 Country Sedan Engine Timing Set
Understanding how to replace your classic Ford's timing set is key to preventing major engine damage.
- If your engine has its original timing gear, replace it immediately to prevent catastrophic failure from the nylon teeth breaking off.
- You must identify if you have an FE series or Windsor series V8 to buy the correct parts.
- For a stock engine, a quality standard set from Melling or Cloyes is a great upgrade. For modified engines, choose a double roller set.
- When replacing the timing set, it is mandatory to remove and clean the oil pan and oil pump pickup screen to remove old debris.
A Critical Flaw in Original Timing Sets
Warning: Many original 1962-1968 Ford V8 engines were built with a camshaft gear that had nylon-coated teeth. Ford used this design to make the engine run quieter. Over decades, this nylon becomes brittle, cracks, and breaks off. The pieces fall into the oil pan, where they can be sucked into the oil pump pickup screen, blocking oil flow and starving the engine of lubrication. This can quickly lead to complete engine failure. Replacing the original timing set with a modern, all-metal aftermarket version is one of the most important preventative maintenance jobs you can do.
Symptoms of a Failing Timing Set
A worn or failing timing set will give you several warning signs. Ignoring them can lead to much more expensive repairs.
- Rattling or Slapping Noise: The most common sign is a rattling noise from the front of the engine, behind the water pump. This is the sound of a loose timing chain slapping against the inside of the timing cover, especially noticeable when the engine is idling or first started.
- Loss of Power and Poor Performance: As the chain stretches, it retards the camshaft's timing. This makes the engine feel sluggish, reduces power, and can cause a rough idle.
- Engine Misfires or Backfiring: With the valve timing off, you may experience engine sputtering, misfires, or backfiring through the carburetor.
- Unstable Ignition Timing: If you check the ignition timing with a timing light, a loose chain will cause the timing mark on the harmonic balancer to jump around erratically.
- Metal or Plastic in the Oil: When changing your oil, finding small pieces of plastic (from the original cam gear) or metal shavings in the drained oil or filter is a definite sign of a failing timing set.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Timing Set
For this vehicle, any new aftermarket set is an upgrade over an original nylon-toothed set. The choice comes down to your engine's setup and how you use your Country Sedan.
Standard Replacement Sets (Good for Stock Engines)
Best for: Daily drivers, stock or lightly modified engines.
These kits replace the original components with a durable, all-metal design. They typically feature a standard-style link chain and cast iron gears. They are a reliable and affordable solution for restoring proper timing and eliminating the risk of nylon gear failure.
- Melling: A highly respected brand for engine parts, Melling offers OEM-quality or better timing sets that are known for their durability and proper fit.
- Cloyes: A long-standing name in timing components, Cloyes offers affordable standard replacement sets. While generally reliable, some users in online forums have occasionally reported issues with chain slack on certain product runs. 🎬 See a Cloyes timing set installation on a Ford FE engine
Performance Double Roller Sets (Better for Performance Builds)
Best for: Rebuilt engines, modified engines with performance camshafts, or owners wanting maximum durability.
These are a significant upgrade in strength. A "double roller" chain has two sets of rollers, making it much stronger and less prone to stretching than a standard chain. The gears are often machined from steel billets for higher strength and precision.
Pro Tip: Many performance sets include a crank gear with multiple keyways. This allows a mechanic to install the camshaft "straight up" (stock), or slightly advanced or retarded to shift the engine's power band. For a stock engine, use the standard '0' position.
🎬 Watch: Step-by-step timing chain installation for Ford small block V8s- Melling Select Performance: Melling's performance line offers high-quality double roller sets for added strength and precision, suitable for performance applications.
- Edelbrock: Known for performance parts, Edelbrock's timing sets are typically true double roller designs that are well-regarded for quality and easy installation.
- Ford Performance: These sets are designed for high-performance use and are a popular choice for enthusiasts, though some forum members have noted occasional quality inconsistencies.
| Tier | Brand Examples | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Replacement | Cloyes, Melling | $32 - $70 |
| Performance Double Roller | Edelbrock, Ford Performance, Melling Select | $70 - $152 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have a Windsor or an FE engine?
The easiest way to tell is by the number of valve cover bolts. Windsor small-block V8s (like the 289) have 6 bolts per valve cover. FE big-block V8s (like the 352 and 390) have 5 bolts per valve cover. The intake manifold on an FE engine also extends under the valve covers, which is a unique feature.
What is a double roller chain and do I need one?
A double roller chain is like a heavy-duty bicycle chain with two rows of rollers, making it much stronger and more resistant to stretching over time. For a stock, daily-driven engine, a quality standard set is sufficient. If you have a rebuilt engine, a performance camshaft, or plan on high-RPM driving, a double roller set is a worthwhile investment for long-term durability.
Is it critical to clean the oil pan during replacement?
Yes, absolutely. If you are replacing an original timing set, it is almost guaranteed that pieces of the old nylon gear are in the oil pan. You must remove the oil pan and thoroughly clean it and the oil pump pickup screen. Failure to do this can cause the new engine to fail from oil starvation.
Should I replace anything else at the same time?
Yes. Since you have to remove the water pump and timing cover to access the timing set, it is the perfect time to replace the water pump, the timing cover seal, and any coolant hoses connected to the water pump. This will save you from having to do the same labor twice in the near future.
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Technical Specifications
Vehicle may be equipped with a Ford FE series V8 (352, 390, etc.) or a Ford Windsor V8 (289, etc.). These engine families require different timing sets. Original cam gear was often nylon-coated; all aftermarket replacements are full-metal construction.
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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.