ALUMINUM CAM GEAR RATTLE

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John Dow
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Joined: Tue Jan 29, 2019 10:21 am
First Name: John
Last Name: Dow
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1923 Touring
Location: Leawood, Ks
MTFCA Number: 32344
Board Member Since: 2015

ALUMINUM CAM GEAR RATTLE

Post by John Dow » Sat Apr 13, 2019 11:04 am

I took the old '23 Touring out for the first time this year and it ran wonderfully. My only complaint is the rattle the aluminum cam gear makes while driving. The loudness comes and goes with different driving situations: climbing hills, coasting, accelerating etc. ( I have adjusted/removed rod cap shims as needed to eliminate that as a cause for the rattle.) I've heard many times "all Model T's rattle" and if that is so do I just live with it or is there a solution. Are nylon cam gears reliable unlike the fiber ones?

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John.Zibell
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* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Tudor
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MTFCA Number: 30265
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Re: ALUMINUM CAM GEAR RATTLE

Post by John.Zibell » Sat Apr 13, 2019 11:29 am

I haven't had great luck with the plastic gear. I'm currently running one of Dan McEachern's bronze timing gears and it is quiet. Key factor is getting the spacing correct from the crankshaft gear.
1926 Tudor

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Mark Gregush
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* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1925 cutdown PU, 1920 Dodge touring, 1948 F2 Ford flat head 6 pickup 3 speed
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Re: ALUMINUM CAM GEAR RATTLE

Post by Mark Gregush » Sat Apr 13, 2019 11:41 am

Besides spacing, you may have a worn crank gear and need an oversized cam gear, or live with it.
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas! :shock:

1925 Cut down pickup
1920 Dodge touring
1948 Ford F2 pickup


Les Schubert
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Re: ALUMINUM CAM GEAR RATTLE

Post by Les Schubert » Sat Apr 13, 2019 12:14 pm

A somewhat common cause of “rattle “ from the engine is end play of the camshaft. It will resemble a rod but it will be “erratic “ and inconsistent. If you pull the timer off and the camshaft has considerable end play that could be the issue.
Couple of choices then;
1. You can buy a repair kit that fits between the gear and the front cover
2. Replace the front cam bearing
3. Just live with it!!


Allan
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Re: ALUMINUM CAM GEAR RATTLE

Post by Allan » Sun Apr 14, 2019 1:17 am

John, Les touched on the front cam bearing being an issue with end float. It may also be that that bearing is loose in the block. If you take off the timer roller and use a block of wood and a tyre lever, you can rule outplay in this area as a possible cause.

Allan from down under.


Topic author
John Dow
Posts: 177
Joined: Tue Jan 29, 2019 10:21 am
First Name: John
Last Name: Dow
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1923 Touring
Location: Leawood, Ks
MTFCA Number: 32344
Board Member Since: 2015

Re: ALUMINUM CAM GEAR RATTLE

Post by John Dow » Sun Apr 14, 2019 12:00 pm

Thank you Les, Allan and John for your suggestions. My T club is holding a "Tech Day" in a couple of weeks and we'll explore cam end play as a possible cause.

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