VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Timing Gears

I gathering parts to rebuild the 216 in my 38. At this stage the filling station are only listing cam gears. Others are listing for 235 / 216, are these compatible?
My 47 parts list doesnt include 235 so I cant compare that way.
Tony

Tony,

Here is the data from my 1929-50 parts book:

Canshaft 1938-50 (with 216 engine Forge # 838733

1941-49 (with 235 engine)
1950 all comm and util (w/235) Forge #3660474

1950 All Pass With P/G Forge # 3835502

I think the above numbers would hold untio the 1954 235 but not sure.

(Got company. More later)

Charlie

OK, I'm back,

Gear (Crankshaft timing (steel)

1937-39 All use w/838436 gear only. 27 teeth 3 1/8 OD1 1/4 in ctr hole
Part #838432 Note: 838432 has one timing punch mark.

1940-50 (27 teeth 3 1/8 OD stamped "71"

Gear (Camshaft (fibre)

1937-39 All use with 838432 Gear only
1940-47 All use with 383571 gear only
1948-50 (exc two ton) use with 383571 Gear only 54 teeth part # stamped on
Part # 838436

Again I doubt this will stand up with the (54) 235 engine

Hope this helps.

Charlie

The large camshaft gear fits all 216-235-261 engines - except - the heavy duty trucks used an aluminum gear from 1948 and up. You can se the aluminum gear in any of the engines but they tend to be noiser and that is why Chevrolet did not recommend them.
The steel gear was different for 1937-1939 because the cam timing was changed for better performance in 1940. I used the later steel gear in my 1939 and never had a problem.
More important for timing gear long life is the oiling. There is a passage on the back of the front mounting plate that feeds the oil to the nozzel. This passage filled with sludge and the timimg gears failed. Also I WOULD RECOMMEND ENLARGING THE HOLE IN THE NOZZEL TO 1/8". CHEVROLET DID THIS IN 1949. Original size was 1/16".

Charlie and Gene I Thank you both.
I get the impression that all gears are interchangable but there is slight differences to be careful of.
I found a couple of sets here in Aus at reasonable price but they were listed for 40 and later, Gene's post explains that and I might go with the 40 set for those 3 reasons, suitability,availability and price.
I will also take Gene's advice and enlarge the oil hole as well though maybe not quite so far.
Tony