After 14,000 trouble free miles with the 383, I finally ran into my first semi serious problem. I've been having problems with the car stalling at startup when I have the AC on. It came on gradual, but it's to the point where its bothersome now.

So instead of jumping in to the electronics soup right off the bat, I figured I'd start out simple and change the plugs. I pulled the baffles out of the valve covers to get the roller rockers to fit, and the pcv tends to suck in oil and darken my plugs around the rim.

While I was at it, I decided to check the cap and rotor to see their condition. They didn't look to good. I wiggled the rotor and there was quite a bit of freeplay, so out it came. I was surprised to see the gear more than half worn away! Then came the thought "Oh oh, I wonder what the cam gear looks like?"

I climbed on top of the plenum and peaked inside. Thank God, it looked perfect.

My car is an 86 with a retro roller cam installed. I installed a thrust plate, and was concerned with the distributor gear material. I had read about going to a softer gear (melling?) when I was having the cam custom ground. The cam manufacturer(?) said I didn't need one. I guess he was right.

I suppose I am going to replace the gear with a stock replacement from Pep Boys or Advanced Auto parts. I need the car for work on Monday, so there is no time to find something fancy.

Anyone ever replace a gear before? Any tips on R&R on the gear?
Will I need to change this thing every 10,000 mi's?

 

I think you need a melinized one.. They are for a roller cam.

 

I personally use a bronze distributer gear. Better to wear a $35 part than a $250+ cam. So far my gear has 20K with no significant wear.
Only thing to remember when removing and reinstalling is to fully support the shaft while driving the roll pin out. Wouldn't want a bent shaft.

 

In any chevy motor with a roller cam I HIGHLY reccomend a bronze distributor gear, the stock steal one will usually be eaten by a roller cam in a few thousand miles, the bronze one will be tight and keep exact timeing and not wear out. Before you order a bronze distributor gear use a micrometer and measure your shaft, most GM distributors have a .491" shaft while distributors such as MSD will have a .500" shaft so be sure you get the right size. It is really easy to change.