Looking for tips -- > Cam and Gear assembly

[paul_j]

I cannot answer specifically about your Ford cam gear, but I have installed the live PTO gear on several two-cylinder John Deere tractors. I used peanut oil, heated with a common propane fish fryer burner, to warm the gear. The crankshaft [big metal] was installed in the tractor, so no cooling of the crankshaft was possible. I made a temporary wire cage to grasp and handle the PTO gear. I heated the oil to 400 degrees with the gear immersed. I nervously grasped the wire cage with long handled pliers and slid the gear onto the crankshaft. The gear fit so loosely that I had to hold it in position until it cooled somewhat. After cooling, it gripped the crankshaft as needed. My biggest worry was the close proximity of the expensive crankshaft oil seal that the gear was positioned against. I cooled the oil seal with damp shop rags. Several experts told me that 400 degrees would not damage the oil seal, and I am pleased to announce that the seals were undamaged each time that I used this procedure. Best wishes with your cam gear installation!