Timing Gears on a 254 cu in Enginethat has

Old Fogey UK
Old Fogey UK Expert Adviser
I have a fibre timing gear in my engine.
I've been given a new gear set with an unused alloy gear that I'd like to use but the small corresponding iron gear that has come with it has a chipped tooth.
Can I just install the alloy gear leaving my original small gear in place ?
If I can't, are suitable small gears available ?
If they're not, has anyone got a decent used one they'd sell me ?

Comments

  • 50C8DAN
    50C8DAN Senior Contributor
    Check with Dale Cooper for new ones: https://hudsonmotorcarco.com/parts.htm

  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    You don't say what the year is.  If it is post 1942, then  yes, you can just fit the alloy gear.  If it is before that you have to replace both gears.
  • Hans
    Hans Senior Contributor
    Earlier fiber gears are narrower than later gears.  I have compared them.

    There may be a slight  difference in tooth pitch, I have been told that is so.
    One person limped home on the older ( narrow ) gear, it was chewed up to some extent.

    Many years ago I had a kit for alloy gear, it included a large counter sunk screw that was to replace a bolt that could hit the allow gear  when  was installed.

  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Yes, I should have mentioned the engine plate bolts.  You can get away with removing the bolts, machining the thickness down half, and if the thrust washer is in place behind the cam flange you will have enough clearance for the webs of the alloy gear.  From 1941 onwards all gears were 20 degree pitch, and are not compatible with earlier models.