Since I've been driving the truck more, I've notice a rattle or knocking sound coming from the front of the engine. It's intermittent and doesn't matter if the engine is warm or cold. It happens at speed and at idle. When it happens, you can feel it in the distributor.

I'm thinking worn timing gears..

If I'm on track; any suggestions on the best way to replace them? I haven't done this on the I6 before. I know in my 292 Y Block to deal with such a thing I'd need to pull the cam. On that engine, I can pull the cam without having to remove or lift the engine.

On the I6, can I just pull the radiator grill, to make clearance or do I need to lift or pull the engine?

Any thoughts or advice on this potential project would be appreciated.

 

I just looked at the 82 300 . Looks like you can use a puller to remove the gears with the cam in the engine .

 

I had something similar in mine, and it ended up being that the thrust plate bolts had come loose. The cam was walking back and forth in the engine. When it moved outward, it'd make a rattling, knocking noise. Then it would wander back inward and go away. No harm was done. Just coated the bolts with blue thread-lock and all was good.

But, either way, you'll need to do the same procedure to check whether it's the timing gears or just the bolts.

 

hmm..

Interesting..

Are any special tools needed to remove / install the gears? I have several jaw-type pullers but I was reading in the manual about a tool to install the gear onto the camshaft.

I know I'll need something other than a jaw puller to remove them; or I think I know that..

 

You may want to read this thread, parts of it may apply.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-troubles.html

Common is to heat the timing gear in an oven first. I would not use a fiber gear, I like the steel one.
Be careful with the thrust plate clearance.

 

If you are changing gears your best bet is to pull the cam. Most people that try to pull them with some kind of puller usually fail. Pull the cam and use a press to remove the cam gear.

 

I suppose that would let me inspect the valve
Train at the same time...

 

I suppose that would let me inspect the valve
Train at the same time...

 

You can do it w/o pulling the engine. Yes, the grill and radiator have to come out. Remove the dist., lifters and p.rods, p/s pump, pulleys, cover, thrust plate. Take special note as to how the ring sits on the cam. You might want to take a long, hard look at the cam bearings while you're there. Good luck.

AbandonedBronco has a good thread about how to r&r the cam.

Good luck. K