Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines Possible to reuse crankshaft timing gear

I am replacing the cam in a Chevy 250.I order another timing gear set.

Being curious ,I check the part numbers stamped on the new gears,to the gears on the 250 engine.Both sets had the same part numbers.Except the new gear set had three added numbers.About three inches from the part numbers.

There is only 3500 miles on the crank timing gear.

Would you use the use crankshaft timing gear with the new camshaft timing gear?

Jimmy

Early gears were a different pressure angle than later. Don't know the angles but early was likely 14.5 degrees, later was more like 20 or 25 degrees. They are visibly different. If your new crank gear teeth look just like the old, and when installed you have an appropriate backlash, say .005" or so, then I say you are good to go.

Eyeball the keyway position too in case it may be clocked differently.

If you are reusing the cam gear, reuse the existing crank gear. If using new, replace both. If you use an old and new combination there is a good chance you will loose both gears in a very short time.