[Amc-list] HEI's chewing gears, how to avoid?

[Nick ALFANO <71amx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

   Tom,
 
An improperly aligned set of gears or a set that is running dry without oil will wear out in a matter of minutes.  I know of instances where they have gone bad during the initial start up break in period so I would check alignment prior to start up as after an hour or so of run time can be too late.  You can do so by just turning over the engine with the starter to see where the gears mesh with alignment tape or paint. Take all of the plugs out so it spins easily.  There should be a small amount of end play in your distributor before you install it.  Be sure to install the distributor gasket under the hold down base but first make sure the old one it completely removed from the timing cover.  Too often they are left behind unnoticed because they are stuck to the timing cover or painted over.  It blends in very well there and is easy to miss.  Two gaskets will only lift the distributor higher moving the alignment.  Use a good pre-lube on the gears. 
 Always best to soak them in zinc/phosphorus oil for 24 hours prior to installing (heated bath is best).  If you use a heated method, bring the oil up to appr. 180 degrees and then soak the gears for at least 30 minutes at that temp (or a time frame long enough for the gears to get up to temp). Then apply some assembly lube.  
 
After this, check them again after break-in bu
 
Nick,
 
Alfano Performance
4849-76 st.
Kenosha, WI. 53142
262-308-1302
262-942-8271 after 6pm central and weekends 
 
 
Message: 6
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:40:25 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [Amc-list] HEI's chewing gears, how to avoid?
To: "AMC/Rambler owners, drivers and fans." <amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Message-ID: <alpine.DEB.1.00.0803281139110.16435@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

On Fri, 28 Mar 2008, Jesse wrote:

> I have heard so many numerous accounts of new
> aftermarket HEI units ruining engines, I am wary of
> the one I have now.  Even Car Craft fell victim
> recently.

> Is it possible to do a "mesh test" like we do on ring
> and pinions?  If the gear pattern was even and in the
> middle, would that guarantee a safe unit?

That's probably not a bad idea!

I bet you could get the dist gear oil-free, paint the flats
with red paint, let it dry over night, then run the car for an
hour or a day, yank it and see. Hard to believe it will ruin
the cam gear that quickly.
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