43 B transmission noise

[Southern4020]

I have a 1943 war time B that had a loud roar in 2nd and 4th gear only. I disassembled the transmission to check all the bearings. The two on the top shaft were questionable but nothing too bad. I cleaned all the gears and when laying everything out in order of disassembly I noticed that in place of the B1873R 2nd and 4th 20 tooth gear there is a B341R 17 tooth 1st 3rd and reverse gear. I have 2 B341R gears and no B1873R. Now my question. Is this the reason for my noise. It sounded more like a bad gear mesh rather than a bad bearing.

 

[Sam Vastano]

I think that you are hearing the noise in the most used gears in these old girls. My opinion is that the gears/shafts are worn and that is making your noise. Since they are used the most in the past they have the most noise.

 

[BushogPapa]

2nd gear from Left, gear shows heavy wear..
3rd gear from left has at least one chip out of it.
Gear on Rt side shows plenty chips or damage...

The Matching gears are sure to reflect the same condition...

Ron..

 

[Kurt_JDB]

Sounds to me like you nailed the problem. I think you will need to replace that 2nd 4th gear as well as the one it meshes with on the countershaft (it will have a funky wear pattern) if you want to quiet it down.

Kurt