1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 350 engine.

Had a new timing chain installed by a shop just a few thousand miles ago.
Looks like it's already worn out. I dont know the brand.

Just wonder if there is a high quality replacement except nos?
I need something durable also on higher loads. I'm not just cruising to the ice cream shop and back.
I highly prefer made in the united states.

How about Edelbrock? Still made in the USA / Good Quality?
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-7813

Also what could happen if i keep driving and it gets worse / chain snaps off?
I would like to drive it 50 miles to the shop but its already running rough because the timing is off. It is totally driveable though.

 

Cloyes.

 

x2

 

So Cloyes is superior to Edelbrock?
Is Edelbrock still any good or china crap?

 

How are you determining that it is worn out ???? Even the cheapest timing set I have ever seen would probably last 80 -90k miles. If yours is truly worn out in a few thousand miles then something else is wrong.

I prefer Cloyes for most applications. They have been around a looooong time and make a great product. They are also the oem manufacturer for a lot of brands.

 

If you want Edelbrock, buy Edelbrock.

But I use Cloyes in mine ;-) They've earned their reputation...I'm sure Edelbrock's would work but I would consider the Cloyes to be a higher quality and the price is comparable.

The question not asked yet though is how have you determined that you need to replace your timing set so early on? Just because it's running rough? Or have you chased down the various things that might contribute to the engine not running properly or timing being off?

 

How are you determining that it is worn out ???? Even the cheapest timing set I have ever seen would probably last 80 -90k miles. If yours is truly worn out in a few thousand miles then something else is wrong.

I prefer Cloyes for most applications. They have been around a looooong time and make a great product. They are also the oem manufacturer for a lot of brands.

 

Same opinion here on cloyes.

I have the cloyes true double roller chain set and im very happy with it. Its nicely machined and you have 9 keyways to degree your cam properly.

summit part number is 9-3513X9.

I hope this helps.

 

This is the set to buy, very nice.

 

another vote for the Cloyes double roller - it was the first and only choice for my 350 build 5 years back.

 

That's my thought as well.

 

Well the timing is off and there is noise coming from the timing chain area.
The old timing chain was fine, just replaced since the engine was apart as preventive maintenance.
I think they used a cheap china chain and this is the result.

Can somebody explain the difference between these two cloyes timing chains?
https://www.rockauto.com/de/moreinfo...221691&pt=5756
https://www.rockauto.com/de/moreinfo...221691&pt=5756

 

Michael,
If I remember correctly your engine is pretty much stock ??? If so then there is absolutely no need for a timing set like you showed. The stock Cloyes C3006K is all you need. Unless you have money to throw away the billet timing set is a terrible waste of funds.

How far off is the timing ? Are you sure the distributor didnt just move because it was not tightened properly ? I would reset the timing and mark the distributor to make sure it isnt moving.

Also, if it is going back to somebody else to have the timing set replaced I would wait until they take it apart and see what the actual problem is, if any.

 

The difference is the distance from centre to centre. The 93513X9 is what you normally need. The 9-3613x9-5 is a special order item with a shorter centre to centre measurement.

 

Yes pretty much stock.
Distributor is tight. There is a typical rattling noise in the timing chain area.
Shop also suspects it's the timing chain and says parts quality sucks these days.

But yes i will wait with my order until they took it apart. I just wanted to know a good product already because im 90% sure its the timing chain.

Thanks!

Can somebody might get into this?
I would really like to avoid using a tow truck if possible.
I don't see any major damage possibilities but i'm not an expert.

 

When the timing chain went out in the 307 in my Wife's Riviera it slightly bent some of the exhaust valves. And hers was just idling. So yes it can cause other ($$) damage.

 

Interesting, i was just researching and came across a site saying the 350 sbc is non interfering.
But neither a 307 buick nor a 350 sbc is a 350sbo.

 

The 307 in the Riviera is an Oldsmobile engine.

Most sites and service manuals seem to always say that an engine with a timing chain is not an interference engine but you can be sure that most of them will bend valves under the correct conditions. I have seen plenty of SBC heads with bent valves from timing failures.

 

Okay, thanks!

 

What about the timing gears, are you still running the stock ones with the fiber made teeth? (not sure what that's actually called)
I have a 72 Delta 88, I still haven't replaced those stock gears. Doesn't seem to be an issue...yet.

 

I dont know i will ask the shop what exactly they installed when i get there.
But this time i will replace the complete set. Parts are cheap anyway compared to today's labor so i wont cheap out on a few bucks since that could bite me in the rear end with even more labor in the future.

But right now i'm busy and just dont have the time to deal with it myself.

 

Are Cloyes timing gears and chains also made in China? The website shows one of its engineering sites being in Shanghai, China? Or are the materials sourced and manufactured only in the United States?

 

Depends on the level of chain set you ourchase.