Decided I better check my timing gear after seeing what looked like teeth during an oil change. Sure enough, timing gear pretty chewed up. Lined up the gears timing marks then removed the old fiber timing gear without much difficulty. Did not move the crank. Replaced with a new fiber gear but when I align the gear timing marks, the pin holes for the new gear do not line up. When the pins are properly lined up, the index marks are off (new gear photo). I would think the pins and the index marks should all line up if I did not move the crank. Could not find an explanation in the search. What am I missing?
Timing Gear Replacement Question
- Thread starter TMB
- Start date
Keith True
Well-known member
With the timing gear off the pressure from a couple of the valve springs will kick the cam off a little bit.It won't stay in the position you left it at.It probably jumped when you removed the gear,but you just didn't see it.
Big hammer
Well-known member
With the gears teeth cut on an angle (helical) just removing the timing gear will turn the cam, as a school teacher use to say try try again !
Thanks for all the input. I didn't realize the cam gear would move with removal. If I line up the off-center cam pins on the new gear, the index marks are off as you can see in the new gear photo. If I instead line up the timing index marks so they are directly opposed, the timing gear pin holes do not line up and the new timing gear doesn't fit. How do I adjust in order to line up both the pins and the timing marks? I'm afraid to move the crankshaft until I check first.
Yes. The off-set holes and the timing pin depression site line up exactly
Keith True
Well-known member
You start the gear into the crank gear with the marks lined up,and when it touches the two pins you turn the cam until they line up and slide into the holes in the gear.You can turn the cam with something like a skinny phillips screwdriver.It's trial and error,it will take a few passes your first time.
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Thank you. So rotate the cam (not the crank) to line up the pins with the new gear. Seems like an important step that was left out of Les Andrews red book unless I'm reading it incorrectly. Appreciate the forum's expertise.
Keith True
Well-known member
I think it's not in a book because it's one of those things mechanics just know how to do.All manuals are written assuming the user has some sort of general mechanical knowledge.Things like knowing when to use the little hammer instead of the big one.
Herb Concord Ca
Well-known member
Had the same problem as you. Line up the timing marks and used a small strap wrench to turn the cam to get its pins into the gear holes.
Clem Clement
Well-known member
It is easy to get the gear off by one tooth. Henry gave you that option free!
Clem
Clem
Phil Brown
Well-known member
Turn the cam or turn the crank, it doesn't matter as long as you end up with the gears dot to dot when your done
katy
Well-known member
Ditto
The Master Cylinder
Well-known member
I like to put a little grease on the plunger also.