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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: Unofficial on May 14, 2013, 01:14:28 pm

Title: Distributor/Cam Gear
Post by: Unofficial on May 14, 2013, 01:14:28 pm
Hey guys, I was having some strange issues with my 350 tbi engine and eventually found that my distributor gear was chewed up and therefore not spinning the rotor smoothly.  I replaced the distributor gear hoping the cam would still be okay, but only after about 30 minutes of driving, I had the same problem.  I spent the weekend putting in a new cam and distributor, but now I wonder what caused the gears to wear that badly. 

The cam that I had in the engine was a Summit brand, and I now have a Comp cam in.  Do you guys think it was just a cheap cam or something more serious like a misalignment with the cam/distributor gear.

Just hoping to get some more information on this so I can avoid it in the future, thanks in advance.

Truck runs like a dream now by the way.
Title: Re: Distributor/Cam Gear
Post by: bd on May 14, 2013, 02:10:49 pm
Possibly, material hardness incompatibility between the gears or inadequate lubrication.  Post pics of the gear and cam.
Title: Re: Distributor/Cam Gear
Post by: Unofficial on May 14, 2013, 03:09:08 pm
I'm assuming you want to see the worn cam/distributor gears? I can post them tonight when I get home from work.

I did use the assembly lube that came with the cam on the gear when I installed the cam, I'll have to check the gear in a week or two.