I used a digital pressure gauge and set the front tire pressure to 28 psi and the rears to 30 psi. There is now a much smoother transition of momentum going in and out of corners. The car seems to roll a little easier on the highway too. Also new air filters were installed and the carbs adjusted a little leaner for the summer air.

The drive was one of the most enjoyable since owning the car. That is always the warning sign. Half way home on my 75 mile commute a ticking sound could be heard a slow speeds. The ticking went away at speeds above 35 mph and returned whenever the speeds dropped. It got to be a tapping sound that got fairly loud at stop lights. Performance didn't seem to be affected but it got loud enough to make me start wondering if the 122 was going to make it home.

Make it home we did though. Everyone in the house came running to see what was making all the racket. It seems that the noise is coming from the front so I suspect the timing gear is self destructing.

How dumb would it be to swap the gear out of my wrecked 544 to get the 122 back on the road? I have a new gear coming but it might not be here until next Monday.

Thanks,

Joe M

If you're careful you can do it without destroying the gasket (unless you used
bloo goo or some such). I don't think it is dumb at all but remember it may
be a life-limited item!
--
George Downs Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!

Haste is probably going to make waste in this case. By Monday at the latest a new timing gear, gasket and front seal will be here. The B18D sitting in the 544 will remain whole and possibly serve as an emergency back up power plant.

Thanks to all who responded,

Joe M

Sorry to hear of your misfortunes. Found your post intrestingly pessimistic, which brings me to your question. Were you really looking for an answer? or just begging the question. Good luck with the new gear.
Poorgie

Does a B18D timing gear normally get damaged in the removal process?

Joe M

Joe;

You should be able to remove timing gear with no damage...jam gears with a rag...36mm socket to loosen nut...then gentle tappy, tappy on the cam to loosen...gear should loosen its hold and be easily removable...its not an interfence fit...(remember, don't push out freeze plug at the other end!)

Cheers

I've never done this, but have seen it done, and I would say that if done carefully you should be able to remove and reinstall a good-condition gear without making it as bad as the one which is falling apart. If you desperately need the car before your new gear arrives then do it, and call it practice. Other people will say for definite how long the job would take (1-2 hours?).

Tom