plastic timing gear?

[goinbroke2]

What year did the 300 go to a plastic gear? Also, I heard something about it being pressed on, is this true?
How many km's are they good for and what are the signs or symptoms of one on the way out?

I have a 92, and it's working fine, but I don't know the km's on it.(I know it's over 250,000)

 

[Anonymous]

Sometime in the early 80's. They are pressed on, and have a bolt for retention. If the gear starts coming apart, just about the only way to get it off is to remove the cam, and press what's left of the gear off, then replace the retainer plate that usually breaks when you press the gear off, and reinstall. You can remove the cam with the engine in on most trucks by pulling the radiator and the grill.

 

[jwhoss76]

On my 83 both gears are metal, I used a t-bar puller to remove the timing gear from the cam. Mine didn't have a retaining bolt, althought the cam is machined for one. I suppose a guy could use a bolt and some simple tools to install a new timing gear if he had to. But taking it to a shop would probably be a better idea.

 

[goinbroke2]

Actually, I have my own shop, but I've never had one apart. Or my memory is too bad to remember if I did!