Must I use new chainwheels for camshafts?
 

During a rebuild, is it a must to renew the chain-wheels that drive the camshafts?
I know the chains stretch over time and must be replaced but what about the chain-wheels?? Do they develop a certain wear pattern that is not compatible with a new chain??
Is it safe to re-use them if there is no or little wear on them?
And what about the chain-wheels on the intermediate shaft???

I don't think I've read anything about this in Wayne's books.

Thanks guys

G, yes, the gears do wear with the chains. If you are using new chains, it is wise to use new gears as well... Take a look at the teeth, especially towards the tips, they tend to wear thin over time. The saddles break in as well...

Others will have opinions and better explanations as well...

Post pix of the gears... Sharp ones....

:)

I'm going with all new chain wheels on my build. Better safe than sorry, especially on the bottom end where you don't want to go back in there. Not a lot of money in the grand scheme.

Used a puller to get the old wheels off:
http://asbury.smugmug.com/By-Land/Po...50_cJu8b-M.jpg
"Naked" intermediate shaft:
http://asbury.smugmug.com/By-Land/Po...37_Ts2iz-M.jpg
intermediate shaft goes into freezer:
http://asbury.smugmug.com/By-Land/Po...61_Vieym-M.jpg
new chainwheels heated in oil:
http://asbury.smugmug.com/By-Land/Po...03_edB9F-M.jpg
Voila! ready for installation:
http://asbury.smugmug.com/By-Land/Po...45_TBdmN-M.jpg