Technical Chipped cam distributor drive gear

Anyone else ever run into this problem before? Can this just be dressed out and ran or is it junk now? It’s not a huge chunk but it’s no inconsequential either. Thanks for any input

 

is that a fresh never run engine?

 

Looks like junk to me. I wouldn't run it.

 

No this is a used engine

 

I'd be concerned where the piece's went.

 

If it's the 'silver' mark at the lower end of that tooth, I wouldn't worry about it, the cam driving the gear is usually contacts in the middle area of the tooth..
As for where the chip went?? It might have come out during an oil change, or you could fit a magnetic sump plug..
It looks too big to get thru the gauze in the oil pump pickup.

 

Just to further my education, how do you chip a cam gear?

 

Just like any hard metal part that also operates against another hard part with tight tolerances. Clumsy installation, something gets caught between the meshing parts, or something big enough and with enough force hits the part. It could also happen if lube is required but lacking (would show as heat which is not present here), or the part is flawed and normal stress causes failure. I think that covers it.

 

May I ask what prompted a look to actually find the chip?

 

Sorry, did have time to finish my request.
I’ve never had a need to shine a light down the hole and rotate the engine to inspect the gear. I’d assume you had a need to do that, so I’m wondering what issue the engine had that could be related?
Thanks.

 

I guess I am not seeing a big issue from the pic. Chances are it has run for a long time already and will continue to run a long time.

 

I’m not so sure about it running a long time like that. The “clean” of the chip as well as what appears to look the same (albeit smaller) little breakage/chipping on the teeth about 180 degrees from the chip.

 

I guess @squirrel is thinking what I’m thinking; there’s an oiling problem with that engine. Why is the cam dry and dusty looking if it’s an engine that been run?

 

What they said.

 

Being completely dry and clean in a used engine indicates an oiling problem that needs to be addressed. Then the gear itself needs replacement. I'd also want to look at the cam gear as well. Continuing with what you have most likely will cause bigger problems later on.