Necessity is the mother of invention

[harringtondav]

Hillbilly shimming fixture

Pretty confident this will work. Based on the assumption the current pinion/shaft/shims combo is correct. And I believe this is correct. The wear pattern on the FWD gear and undamaged pinion teeth is fine.

This rig repeats at a .021" feeler. I'll torque the new pinion on the shaft and measure with feeler gauges. Any difference from the .021" will be adjusted in the current shim pack thickness.

It seems strange OMC doesn't have a backlash spec or adjustment. So I'll assemble the new FWD gear set and have faith.

 

[Scott Danforth]

just an FYI - the 2.5 and 3.0 use the timing cover from the 196/230/230/292 family of in-line 6's a brand new cover is $12

https://www.jegs.com/i/Dorman/326/6...uGvqbiOUShR4zQelu1erq-iD5P9_gXlRoC-_cQAvD_BwE

 

[harringtondav]

just an FYI - the 2.5 and 3.0 use the timing cover from the 196/230/230/292 family of in-line 6's a brand new cover is $12

https://www.jegs.com/i/Dorman/326/6...uGvqbiOUShR4zQelu1erq-iD5P9_gXlRoC-_cQAvD_BwE

Thanks Scott. A bit too late though. I thought I scored when I ordered one on eBay for $48. Just don't tell my neighbor customer who is paying for parts. So far he's happy with the parts bill, and my whiskey & beer labor charge.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Dave..... its all about knowing where the parts come from....