71 350 Camshaft & Crankshaft Gears just slid on?

[68Fbird]

Hey all,

So I'm replacing the timing chain and gears in a 71 350 YU motor that is in my
68 Firebird. Things were going pretty well. I got everything off the front of the motor, removed the timing cover, and used a puller to get the camshaft and crankshaft gears and timing chain off.

Then, when installing the new gears and chain I found it very surprising that I was able (with a decent amount of force) to push both of the new gears on with nothing but my hands... Correct me if I am wrong but I was expecting to have to press the gears back on.

So I'm not too sure if I should continue with re-installing everything or if I will need to do something about the gears. They do not feel loose but I am able to move the crankshaft gear back and forth with just my fingers...

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[melsg5]

the old gears had years of oil sludge causing them to stick. The cam gear is held on with bolts and the crank gear should be fine once it is buttoned up and the damper installed. You did recheck the part numbers you purchased?

 

[68Fbird]

The camshaft gear for this motor is not the style that is held on with the three bolts. It slides on then has a singular bolt that also holds on the fuel pump eccentric. You think that this will be enough to secure the camshaft gear and that the crank will be fine after the harmonic balancer is installed??

I bought the timing chain and gear set from summit racing and triple checked the application before purchasing (and again now), and it is for the correct motor.

 

[melsg5]

you did install the camshaft thrust plate also? have you tried cleaning the old crank gear and seeing if it fits the same way as the new one, loosely?

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[68Fbird]

The thrust plate was never removed as I was just in there to replace the timing chain. I matched both of the gears and they are similar although the new gear does fit slightly more loosely. After inspecting the harmonic balancer shaft and how it fits I am fairly confident that your original assessment (that the harmonic balancer will keep if from moving around) is correct.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[melsg5]

keep us posted on how the job goes