Timing Set Question

ol'Jeeps

ol'Jeeps

Dirty Jeeps...Done Dirt Cheap!
Joined
Dec 5, 2006
Location
Hickory, NC
Okay...Just got a phone call, with an interesting question.

Can early L-head timing chain set be replaced with a later L-head timing gear set?

Thanks!:)

Scott
 
I believe you can but the front plate that has the mounting tabs for the motor mounts and the front cover will need to be replaced.I also want to say that timing the distributor would be an issue .Go to www.cj2apage.com and do a search.I've seen it come up for discussion before.
 
Hmmm...Link goes to a "paging" website!

I do remember that site, though.

I tried doing some searching all over the web, and only reference to the conversion I could find was the "Chain" blocks had a larger "hump" for clearance of the chain, which would probably explain the different front plate and cover.

As far as timing, I wouldn't guess Willys in there infamous "budget mindedness" would have obsoleted the distributor over this change. And, I see the same distributor fits all 4 cyl engines,
'41 to '71

Kaiser Willys Auto Supply lists...


906725


Distributor, complete w/points, rotor, cap, condenser, 6V+12V, NEW, 463, 473, 475

41-71 all 4-134 L + F-Head engines

$145.00

So, these things lead me to believe you can do this, with the changes you mention. (But you couldn't go the other way cuz the block wouldn't allow it.)

But, that's all the info I have found, so far!:rolleyes:

Thanks for the reply
 
I'm thinking the dist. will either need to be reset or the spark plug wires need to be switched around.Gear to gear causes opposite rotation,chain driven gears rotate in the same direction so in theory the dist. will rotate opposite from the way it would originally if changed to gear to gear.Cam shaft rotates the oil pump which has the slot for the distributor to plug into.Gear for the cam to drive the dist. is actualy on the oil pump.Check and see if the same part number runs for the cam shafts.
 
Ahhh yea...never thought about the distributor turning backwards. Wonder what that does to the points?
Yes...the cams are different, and so is the oil pump! (according to KW catalog)

I just sent the links to the guy. I really appreciate all the help here!
 
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