As the title states I have a question about a find I found on my local craigslist. The guy has a truck with a 318 in it and he said the timing chain went and the truck doesnt run cause of it. I know on alot of vehicles when your timing chain goes it will wreck the motor but will it do the same on the old 318s? I cant seem to find a yes or no answer on this. Does anyone know for sure? Cause if all this truck needs is a new timing chain and starter I will scoop it up in a heartbeat. But I dont want the motor to be destroyed due to the chain slipping.. Any input would be greatly appreciated

 

No. Pretty much just OHC engines have the clearance issue. Before the new generation engines like the 2.0L, 2.4L and 5.7L(all OHC), they were almost all free-wheeling engines. Meaning the pistons can't strike the valves.

 

I shelled out teeth on timing gear on a 1970 Plymouth many years ago.....engine was not destroyed.

 

And I'm not sure if the Hemi is even an OHC engine.

 

I just looked, scratch the Hemi from the Over Head Cam list.

 

Not really sure on what to do here.

Edit: Mantis so what you are saying is that they are a non interferance motor? and there should have been no piston valve contact right?

 

i don't know why it would make much difference if you are buying it to be used as a project with your 92. i think if you are going to do anything you will want to use the engine out of your 92 even if you have to get a new intake, carb and fuel pump and then just swap all the stuff from the other engine.

 

Nope. The 318 pistons could not contact the valves. Non-interference is the modern, fancy word. Back in the day we just used the phrase free-wheeling, meaning the components could spin independent of each other and not make contact.

 

Ok thats what I wanted to know. And this truck wont have any part in my 92 project. This is gonna be a more fix it and use it. My 92 is a whole different project.. I guess you could say I am just collecting some toys lol...

 

ah. i completely understand. i would have a whole fleet of dodge trucks if i could find enough parking spots and had the money.

eventually you might want to stick a magnum in it. seems to be a common swap that is almost bolt in.