VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 48 chev timing gear backlash.

Hello everyone,
My first time on this forum, writing from Australia.
I hope someone can help me with a small problem I have. I am doing up a 48 Chev 216. Once I got to the motor, I discovered it was a 1951 model although I believe it is the same as a 1948 engine. My question is this, if the backlash between the crank and camshaft gears is excessive, what problems will I encounter, if any. Buying new gears here is very difficult, I would need to source them from the States if I have to.
Thank you
Cheers
Ron

I have new gears if you need them. E-mail me bwbugay@aol.com

The back lash should be from .002 to .004". If more than that it indicates the teeth are worn and both gears should be replaced. What can happen. Timing gear failure. Its one of the most common causes of a break down on this engine.
Along with alot of miles the wear usually comes from a lack of oil to the gears. On a 1951 engine the oil is fed under pressure from the front cam bearing. A grove in the back of the front mounting plate carries the oil down to the nozzle. The 1948 had merely a gravity feed for the oil. The 1949 and up have it pressure fed. The grove in the plate tends to fill-up with sludge.

Thank you for that, I will try and get them here 1st, if I can't I will most definately give you a yell.
Cheerss
Ron

Thank you Chevgene,
I will try to replace them from this side of the world 1st, failing that it's off to the USA.
The inside of this motor was really full of sludge when I opened it up, all the bearings were shot, the camshaft was history, the crank needed to be ground, new bearings all round, new camshaft, new pistons and rings, rebore, in other words the full works.
When I sort out these gears it should be like new.
Just as a matter of interest, the vehicle is actually a '47 with '48 jewellery, '51 motor and it is a ute.
Thank you all for your help.
Ron

Hi Ron,
Its much much cheaper to source the parts from USA.I have saved up to 50% on local prices including freight.The Aust $ is down a little at the moment but you will still save $.
Just ask for the cheapest freight as priority is dear from USA.
Recently purchased fuel pump,water pump,carb kits x2,shackle bolts,kingpins,brake linings,brake kits,main bearings from USA.
Just get the prices from the local fellows first and then shop around.

Cheers
Rusted

Thank you Rusted,
yes , I also have found it much cheaper to buy from the USA, even with freight. Much of my previous rebuild came from America, so no doubt I will have to go there again. And on top of the cheaper prices I have found their attention to customer service is second to none.
Cheers
Ron