hello all, I've got a 221 with (many) issues. The block has been converted to insert mains, and a late modified crank has been installed. Currently I am fighting the timing gears. This engine was a fresh rebuild (unknown builder) that failed shortly thereafter. When the engine came in the fiber cam gear was destroyed, with multiple teeth missing. An aluminum NOS was sourced and installed (press on style). My problem is with the crank gear installed I have ZERO lash, in fact its so tight it binds the crank and will damage the aluminum gear. I am concerned the cam centerline is off, as the bores have repair sleeves installed. The other possibility is the gears don't actually match. I am told there is a difference between an early and late crank gear, but nobody has been able to tell me what the difference actually is. Currently its a "2704" which is the early style. Is it possible the NOS aluminum gear is profiled for the "new" style despite being the old press on center? Does anybody have any insight on this issue?
I know it's not a Flathead Ford, but when I did a friend's early 216 Chevrolet 6, they had gears that were oversized to take up for the worn crank gear. Possibility, that's it.. And the crank gear is new, making it too tight?
The later gears(8ba) have the opposite bevel, so they won't mesh at all. Wondering if the block was ground to align bore for the insert main bearings and that tightened up the tolerance?
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