Iron Duke Timing Gear Questions

[scotc1t]

Hello!

I am hoping for some more advice on my sons 82 SX4 (113K miles).  It will not start and we are confident it is the timing gear (although the mechanic we took it to also thinks the cam could have broken).  The car was driving fine up until the point the usual clackety noise of the engine noise seemed to get significantly worse and then upon attempting to restart it would not.  Then we determined it had no spark and once the mechanic pulled the distributor, etc. he determined the cam was no longer turning.  I am hoping someone can help with a few questions:

If it is the timing gear, is it feasible to replace the gear without removing the cam?  If so what is the best way to get the gear off and get the new gear onto the cam?

The mechanic we are working with is reluctant to tear the engine down enough to determine if it is the gear or the cam as he isn't sure he feels confident he can get the new gear on properly since the service manuals call for it to be pressed on with the cam out of the car.  I have found lots of info with guys replacing the gear without removing the cam with various later Chevy vehicles but none on Eagles.

It seems like this is a common issue with Iron Dukes so any advice and additional information would be greatly appreciated.  The car ran fine, didn't burn oil or smoke and thus we really hate to consider a complete rebuild or swap just for a worn gear.

Thanks for any help!

[AMC of Houston]

Its probably the cam gear, as they are made of some sort of bakelite concoction - might as well be cardboard!   

It isn't a whole lot of work to get the timing cover off and see if its the gear (maybe your mechanic doesn't really want to work on your Bird, and is making excuses).   It also isn't hard to get the cam out - yeah, its a bit of work time-wise; but not hard work.

I'd remove the cam just to make sure its done right - and get the gear-to-block clearance correctly set per the TSM.

[scotc1t]

Thanks George.  So just to confirm you can get the cam out without pulling the engine out of the car?

[AMC of Houston]

You bet.  Just have to disassemble most of the stuff in front of the engine - radiator, condenser (if A/C car), and maybe the bumper and grille (cam is kinda down low!).

Like I said; time-consuming, but not that hard.

You have a TSM?

[TheBirdman]

Heh, good thing the ol iron duke isnt an interference motor