Super M timing gears

[Darryl 2Ms]

Getting ready to pull the crank, in the ongoing saga of my Super M rebuild. Where the crank gear and cam gear meet(at the timing marks ) I have .010 clearance. Tight... I can barely get the corner of the feeler gauge in there. Seems tight enough for me. Gears look good... no obvious wear. What do the experts have to say? I f i have to change something, now is the time. Only want to go in once! Thanks guys. All you fellow gearheads.... you're the best...... Darryl

 

[David G]

I doubt that has ever been an issue, would not think again.

Why did you check the clearance?

 

[rustred]

i would say you are good. the gears need some clearance, but not too much. if you had .020 i would be concerned.

 

[Darryl 2Ms]

Just checked the clearance because I see some catologs have new ones for sale. Also read somewhere (probably here) that if you have too much play you might have timing issues. ( keeps varying, won't stay constant) I know... probably overthinking this too much! Just want to cover all the bases...

 

[gab]

Don't think that's the problem you were reading about, if the gear comes loose and the key wears half way through your timing will change. Don't even know if there's a spec. for your measurement but it doesn't sound excessive.

 

[rustred]

yes u would have a bit of timing issues , but you can advance the timing a degree or two to compensate for gear wear. but if its jumping around then its not gear wear. once gears are in motion the timing cant jump around. its probably distributor cam wear causing this as the points will be opening and closing with different gaps.

 

[rustred]

yes there is spec's for gears , but at .010 that is plenty. dont forget when things get hot they grow and the clearance is decreased.

 

[Janicholson]

Good to go. Distributor bushing wear is the prime culpret on timing variation. Jim

 

[MARK ROBKE]

Actually,the way to check gear wear is to measure the backlash-the back and forth movement between the gear teeth.The measurement is done by using a dial indicator,and I think .003-.005 is a good measurement.Mark

 

[Darryl 2Ms]

Thanks to ALL who replied. I'll be checking in again with more newbie questions. I value all of your opinions, and knowledge. I've been reading all your posts for years. very impressed with all the knowledge out there. I'll be baaack!.....regards.... Darryl