Inspecting idler gear on flat head

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

I am changing the gaskets for the intake/exhaust manifolds. The motor is in the car. I decided to inspect the idler gear, so I pulled the rear valley cover. I have to use a mirror to see it. Can I get a better look at the gear thru the distributor tower hole? Anyone with any recent first hand experience?
Thanks, Bob

[Steve Passmore]

I Have an engine on the bench Bob so ill have a look in the morning to see, if my memory serves me correct the problem is getting the distributor shaft back in to line up with the idler and the oil pump at the same time.

[harry s]

Bob,  With the valley cover off it is still hard to see, but if you take the distributor and tower off you can see it. You can also take out the one bolt holding it in place and remove the gear. It is not hard to do, just don't drop anything. As Steve mentions you have to be careful to line everything up when putting it back in. I find it easiest to install the distributor and tower as a unit. Also just don't turn the engine with those removed. Good Luck,  Harry

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

Steve & Harry,
Thanks for your responses. Bear in mind, it's been a long time since I've been inside a flat head. LOL!  I see it's held in with one bolt, but it looks like I need to remove the little metal plate at the bottom of the valley & the LH rear lifter bank AND the dist. to remove it. Is that correct? The gear was installed in 1990 by the person that rebuilt the motor before I bought the car. It was bought new at an auto parts store in Dallas. I have no idea if it's a "good" one or "bad" one. No part # was shown on the receipt.
Thanks, Bob

[Brad Ipsen CLC #737]

Bob,

When you have the tower out make sure to check the slop in the bearings in the tower.  Should be on the order of only .002 clearance.  Call or email for further discussion if you find any problems.

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

Steve,
Did you ever get a chance to look at the motor?
Brad,
I will check for play when I remove  the tower.
Thanks, Bob

[harry s]

Bob,
     I'm in the process of assembling the engine in my '37 and it just occurred to me I had not bolted down the valley convers yet. I looked in and can see the gear but you are right, it looks like the lifter bank will have to come out to remove the bronze gear. I'm not sure how to  identify the problem bronze gears. I have always been able to use the existing gears. I have a new bronze gear in the box that came with a parts lot years ago and there are no numbers on it or the box. I would not use that for fear itbe one of the faulty ones.    Harry

[Steve Passmore]

Sorry Bob, I thought you had your answer from Harry but just to confirm I have just pulled the distributor tower on this motor and sure enough theres a good view of the gear, well, one side of it anyway,  problem here is you will need to turn the motor to see all of that baby then you'll need the luck of the Irish to locate the pump drive when refitting the tower. I have had to drop the pan before now and pull the pump, not nice!
Steve