Engine: Cam Gear installation 169 Flathead

[Tom Mountain]

assembling my 1950 L 6 engine, i removed the cam gear to replace gasket, i aligned the timing marks prior to removal. Now i am having great deal of trouble re-installing Cam Gear as the Woodruff Key keeps getting pushed out as the gear teeth rotate slightly as they mesh. Suggestions on not losing the Woodruff as the gear is pressed on ???
gave it another try today, same results ! if the Woodruff Key aligns clean & gear slides on smoothly .....Then i am one tooth off. i think i need to turn either the crank shaft or the Cam Shaft one tooth
Thank You.

[christophe]

By all means, don't use a Hammer! The gear is to be pressed gently on the camshaft. Simply use a longer screw with a stack of washers to push the gear in. Check for any scratches that could empeach the key to get into the right location. The key must be parallel to the camshaft.

[Tom Mountain]

not a hammer a rubber mallet, but the bolt idea has merit. They 'Woodruff Key' gets pushed out

[christophe]

Damage can occur even with a rubber mallet as you will push the camshaft against the cylinder block. On some engines, this can dislodge the rear plug. The key should be a tigjt fit into the camshaft but should slide easily with no play into the gear. If you put a new one in, this might be the cause of the trouble. Get the key out of the camshaft and check it's fit into the gear.

[StudeRich]

When I install a Woodruff key I usually tilt it slightly down in front to ease the gear on and make sure it is seated all the way down.

[JoeHall]

Not sure about a six cylinder, but it's definitely easier, and less chance of gear teeth damage, if the gear is pressed onto the cam before installing it into the motor block.

[JoeHall]

Not sure about a six cylinder, but with V8 it's definitely easier, and less chance of gear teeth damage, if the gear is pressed onto the cam before installing it into the motor block.