The Ford Barn

31 Woody · 08-04-2023, 12:49 AM

Probably not a good question as I am only looking at a $90 decision…but, here goes:
I have a rebuilt B engine to install in my Cabriolet. The B block currently has a new fiber gear installed. I am considering pulling that and installing an aluminum one. Backstory though—Several years ago the engine on our Station Wagon decided it wanted ‘love’. As it was getting the attention it needed, a good friend was doing the work and said he was installing an aluminum gear. I initially protested, and he asked “do you like changing timing gears on the side of the road?” Wow, what a great response. Nearly ten years later the wagon is fine, but we have probably only put 3 or 4 thousand miles on it. So now I have another Model A, that won’t get a million miles on it…. The fiber gear will probably last forever based on my usage. But it’s apart already. How many miles/years should someone expect from the fiber gear?

I do realize the crank gear and backlash are something that needs to be considered as well. I do not know if the crank timing gear is new or used, but I do plan to check. Thanks!

nkaminar · 08-04-2023, 05:47 AM

In the 1960's I changed a timing gear on the side of the road. So I have an aluminum gear in my car now.

Bruce of MN · 08-04-2023, 06:31 AM

When my old fiber gear failed, I pulled the engine so that I could clean the pan, easily adjust valves, etc.

There is a bronze gear available, also. http://www.modelaparts.net/special.htm/bronzegears.html

WHN · 08-04-2023, 07:09 AM

This is like the question of what oil to use.

I have replaced a number of timing gears in my 60 plus years of driving Model A’s.

I have always used a new fiber gear.

Enjoy.

The Master Cylinder · 08-04-2023, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WHN

I have replaced a number of timing gears in my 60 plus years of driving Model A’s.

I have always used a new fiber gear.

Enjoy.

Maybe that is why you have replaced a number of timing gears in your 60 plus years of driving Model A’s.

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 08-04-2023, 09:27 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce of MN

When my old fiber gear failed, I pulled the engine so that I could clean the pan, easily adjust valves, etc.

There is a bronze gear available, also. http://www.modelaparts.net/special.htm/bronzegears.html

That link is to Dennis Piranio's website. Dennis passed away and I am pretty sure Beth closed the business. That gear is actually made by Dan McEachern, ...who from time to time does frequent Fordbarn. PM me if you need Dan's e-mail, -or check with Steve at Berts to see if he has one in stock.

Flathead · 08-04-2023, 09:43 AM

I have aluminum timing gears with new crank gears in both of my A's. I have piece of mind and they don't make noise. What's not to like.

Bob Bidonde · 08-04-2023, 10:06 AM

The aluminum gear is more durable, so that would be my choice!

johnbuckley · 08-04-2023, 11:25 AM

"How many miles/years should someone expect from the fiber gear?" Anyone want to stick their head above the parapet and answer the OP question ???

(for my two pennyworth I'd guess 20-30K miles if using modern oils)

WHN · 08-04-2023, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Master Cylinder

Maybe that is why you have replaced a number of timing gears in your 60 plus years of driving Model A’s.

All replacements were in different cars. Only one car I’ve owned actually had a timing gear fail. New gear was normally one of the first things I would do.

Our last car, that we just sold after 42 years, still had the fiber gear in it that I installed in the early 80’s. Checked it before we sold car. Gear had minimal tooth wear.

I agree that with the typical mileage put on these cars yearly. They should last many owners. On a high mileage driver, I would think about the aluminum gear, think about it.

Enjoy.

Flathead · 08-04-2023, 02:26 PM

The gear tooth contact has to be right, virtually no play. If there is much play the harmonics of the 4 cylinder crankshaft will chatter those fiber gear teeth right off.

johnneilson · 08-04-2023, 02:56 PM

Not to mention the motor modifications over the years
Adding more valve spring and or cam profile will beat up the stock gears
In fact the way the engine is driven will also contribute to the deterioration of the stock gearset

08-04-2023, 12:49 AM	#1
31 Woody Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Lake Forest, California Posts: 239	Which Timing Gear? Probably not a good question as I am only looking at a $90 decision…but, here goes: I have a rebuilt B engine to install in my Cabriolet. The B block currently has a new fiber gear installed. I am considering pulling that and installing an aluminum one. Backstory though—Several years ago the engine on our Station Wagon decided it wanted ‘love’. As it was getting the attention it needed, a good friend was doing the work and said he was installing an aluminum gear. I initially protested, and he asked “do you like changing timing gears on the side of the road?” Wow, what a great response. Nearly ten years later the wagon is fine, but we have probably only put 3 or 4 thousand miles on it. So now I have another Model A, that won’t get a million miles on it…. The fiber gear will probably last forever based on my usage. But it’s apart already. How many miles/years should someone expect from the fiber gear? I do realize the crank gear and backlash are something that needs to be considered as well. I do not know if the crank timing gear is new or used, but I do plan to check. Thanks! __________________ Experience is a cruel teacher. It gives the exam first, then the lesson.

08-04-2023, 05:47 AM	#2
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,897	Re: Which Timing Gear? In the 1960's I changed a timing gear on the side of the road. So I have an aluminum gear in my car now. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

08-04-2023, 06:31 AM	#3
Bruce of MN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: VA Posts: 1,410	Re: Which Timing Gear? When my old fiber gear failed, I pulled the engine so that I could clean the pan, easily adjust valves, etc. There is a bronze gear available, also. http://www.modelaparts.net/special.htm/bronzegears.html

08-04-2023, 07:09 AM	#4
WHN Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Connecticut Shoreline Posts: 1,824	Re: Which Timing Gear? This is like the question of what oil to use. I have replaced a number of timing gears in my 60 plus years of driving Model A’s. I have always used a new fiber gear. Enjoy.

08-04-2023, 09:43 AM	#7
Flathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 1,499	Re: Which Timing Gear? I have aluminum timing gears with new crank gears in both of my A's. I have piece of mind and they don't make noise. What's not to like.

08-04-2023, 10:06 AM	#8
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 3,470	Re: Which Timing Gear? The aluminum gear is more durable, so that would be my choice! __________________ Bob Bidonde

08-04-2023, 11:25 AM	#9
johnbuckley Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 1,443	Re: Which Timing Gear? "How many miles/years should someone expect from the fiber gear?" Anyone want to stick their head above the parapet and answer the OP question ??? (for my two pennyworth I'd guess 20-30K miles if using modern oils)

08-04-2023, 02:26 PM	#11
Flathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 1,499	Re: Which Timing Gear? The gear tooth contact has to be right, virtually no play. If there is much play the harmonics of the 4 cylinder crankshaft will chatter those fiber gear teeth right off.

08-04-2023, 02:56 PM	#12
johnneilson Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: 34.22 N 118.36 W Posts: 1,057	Re: Which Timing Gear? Not to mention the motor modifications over the years Adding more valve spring and or cam profile will beat up the stock gears In fact the way the engine is driven will also contribute to the deterioration of the stock gearset __________________ As Carroll Smith wrote; All Failures are Human in Origin.