98 6.5 chevy IP timming gears messed up help pls

[lsshewolf88]

I have a 98 6.5 f 174k miles and im replacing the IP. I have run into a problem it seems, when turning the truck over by hand to unscrew bolts on IP the gear wouldn't move while I hand cranked it so I took water pump housing off and found the cam gear that is bolted to the cam sprocket spins by my fingers, the bolt in middle was lose but every thing I found states it should be on a key way is this true? if so I think I have to take the housing off to take that gear off and maybe put new key way in or I don't want to think it but could need new camshaft I hope im wrong either way. any info would be appreciated thank you.

 

[WarWagon]

You have more problems than just a cam if that gear is loose. Pull the bolt and gear. If the key is sheared you are done. Just yank the engine as the valve train and pistons met. Then find a low mile take out etc. You will be lucky if it didn't bend a rod, but for sure you will have some bent valves and possibly pushrods. Pistons may be cracked where they hit.

 

[bison]

Me thinks he should've heard a hell of a racket when the key sheared with the engine still rotating on its round to destruction

 

[ak diesel driver]

x2

 

[lsshewolf88]

Just to clearify the gear im talking about behind the housing, There is the crank gear "smaller at bottom "and cam gear " at top "with timing chain then there is a gear that goes on front of the cam gear with a bolt in middle that drives the IP gear. It is that gear that is lose and spins with fingers not the cam gear its self.

 

[WarWagon]

Interesting. The cam is chain driven so I correct myself there. You still need to pull it and see if the key sheared off. (These are not designed to shear off so there could be damage to both the gear and cam at the keyway.) As long as the chain sprocket on the cam didn't also shear you should be ok. It's only 1 bolt and I forget if it is 1 or 2 keys on the camshaft.

 

[lsshewolf88]

I got lucky the key way sheared off and was still in the cam drive gear nothing went in oil pan ill be changing the timing chain while I have it all off

 

[WarWagon]

I bet you have two good IP's now. Looks like you found the real problem. Locktight that bolt.

 

[lsshewolf88]

lock tight yes but old IP still leaks on 1 side. Just finding more things to fix while its apart im surprised the truck ran at all lol.

 

[Will L.]

Hey how is your harmonic balancer (aka crank killer)doing - while it is off? And as long as I am helping you spend your money, is it the balanced flow water pump on there?

 

[lsshewolf88]

balancer looking good had a mechanic friend look at it to, I forgot I put a new water pump on it last year its the $80 one at auto zone. they only carry 2 $45.00 and $80.00

 

[Will L.]

IMO avoid the zone for that. Do a Bit of reading on here to learn the best water pump to put on.

Maybe a more learned member here could point him the part number? I can't remember it and suck at finding threads.

 

[ak diesel driver]

it's not about how much it cost you the balanced flow WP was on 99+ trucks. it's also got the spin on fan clutch

 

[WarWagon]

HO pumps like his 98 has is all you really need.