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Does the wear area on this distributor gear look normal? All of the wear is on the lower two thirds of the teeth; the upper part (on the left in this pic) look untouched, while the lower part is worn to a point. I think I would expect wear more in the middle of the teeth. This is from an 84 L83 with 87k on the clock.
I seem to remember the more shiny wore areas were the lower 2/3 like you have that doesn't bother me to much, what bothers me is the amount I have seen motors with two times the mileage with just some smooth rounded edges Not Razer blade edges like shown what kind of wear is on the cam, I'm hoping that you have just a gear that was not properly heat treated/hardened.they are cheap and easy to change.
I agree, that gear needs replacement. With a proper 'melonized' gear. Have you also taken a good look with some light down the intake manifold distributor hole to see how the camshaft gear looks, just in case?
I don't remember if the OEM gear on an 84 is melonized as the camshaft is just cast but I believe you can use one regardless and not cause an issue. I will say that is properly worn and I would also check end play and the shaft bushings while replacing...
That looks pretty worn to me. I would replace. It may not be apples to apples but I have a HiPo did I say Ford on this forum Shhhh. anyway it is a 351 made into a 393 Stroker motor in my Donzi.boat. Last year I ate the stock Melonite distributer gear that in turn ate the cam shaft drive gear.
The distributer gear had wear that looked close to what you have. I probably had more torque than what you do on mine but would replace it as it is cheap insurance to not have to change the cam as well if you jump time like I did at least pistons and valves did not hit.
I believe your L83 has Iron Melonite, They also make a bronze replacement as well as a composite one that the NASCAR guys use is what I put back for cheap insurance but price we a bit more than the others. Considering the application and mileage you should be able to use the stock one for many more happy motoring miles, As someone else said check the lash when you put the new one in as well.. Just my experience and humble opinion. Good luck
Regardless of which type of metal you choose, I think that I'd be inclined to shim the gear down so it wears more in the center of the tooth...then I'd paint the teeth, assemble and spin it to confirm a wear pattern in the middle of the teeth.
Very interesting I learned something Amazing what Ya'll come up with and contribute to this and other forums Thanks
On another note I have never used Rock Auto have no experience with them? I bought my gear and much more from Jegs and my neighbor building a whole custom car is a Summit Auto guy we both have had good luck with their products.
It is possible to cut shallow slot in distributor housing to allow positive oiling of distributor and cam gears. You do need to.know orientation of distributor before cutting slot.
Distributor shaft gear
