R50 camshaft; -6 gear set

[kenrcruise]

My shop just informed me that my camshaft is pitted. They wanted to know if it should be installed (I wonder if this is a good idea). In addition they tell me it requires a -6 gear set. I asked if there was a shop located near or in Vancouver that could do some grinding to get the pitting out. They used to use one that has since closed its doors.

Any help please? I could send the camshaft and have them order the gear set in.

Regards,

Ken Cruise

[malmac]

Hi Ken

I see that Salis does not have any R50 camshafts in stock at present but maybe S Meyer or Mark Huggett might be able to supply.

My main point is re the -6 gear set.

I want to know how the person knows that you need a -6 gear set. If they are just looking at the number stamped on your crankcase, beware. I replaced my gearset with the number stamped on my gearcase and the gears were too tight. I have now gone down one size and the gear set is workable but really I should have gone down two sizes.

If however, they happen to have a new -6 gearset on the shelf and they have fitted them and found the backlash is to specification (.01~.02mm) then that is a different matter.

PM me if you want to discuss your situation in more detail.

Mal

[kenrcruise]

Thank you Mal!

I could ask my shop about it (I was there this morning!). I want to know what size they found when they opened up the engine. If I find that out I will PM you Again.

Ken Cruise

[kenrcruise]

Mal, my crankcase has a #6 on it.

[weh8127]

Lots of machine shops re-grind cam shafts. This one https://alecsautomotive.com/ is in Vancouver along with others. Also, UPS will take you to any other if you want R 50 specific experience. The parts books list individual numbers for the camshaft, the gears, bearings, etc that go with it. Are you sure you can't use your existing gears with a re-ground cam? Maybe they're good.

[kenrcruise]

Thanks for your reply weh8127!

I will get a recommendation on a shop to re-grind and re-surface, is it advisable to start with re-grinding first then determine size after? I will try Scottie's.

Ken Cruise

[weh8127]

I think this will be helpful, https://w6rec.com/timing-gear-numbers/ . Scottie is doing a job for me right now, too.

[kenrcruise]

Thanks Bill!

I'm looking at one on ebay (San Diego. Seller: 'greenie'). I'd appreciate an opinion after viewing the pictures. One more thing: Does the # stamped on the crankcase matter if the gears are already matched to the camshaft and are in good shape?

Regards,

Ken Cruise

[Daves79x]

The stamping on the crankcase and the timing gear numbers have really nothing to do with matching to a particular camshaft. It has to do with the center spacing of the crank and cam bores in the block. If your gears are in good shape and were running fine the way they were, leave them. Your cam gear will have a number scribed on it for sure, your crank gear may as well and if that's the case, add the two together to get the total gear set number. If original, it will match the number on the case.

Dave

[weh8127]

No. One of Duane's points is the gear wear on the original gears compensates for the crank and camshaft getting closer together over time. So if the gears are not damaged, go ahead and use them.