Ironhead Pinion gear position

[NP72Iron]

Hey all,
I’m building up a ‘72 XLCH motor and pressed on the pinion gear today, but it does not fully seat against the spiral gear when it’s 5/16” outside of the cam case mid-line.
When I got the motor the pinion gear was installed, but not in the correct timing position, so I had to remove it and install in the correct position. Prior to me removing it, the gear was all the way against the spiral gear. So is it okay for there to be a gap between the two as shown in the photos or should I press it all the way back up against the spiral gear?
Thank you in advance.


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[needspeed]

You've got it on right. It's normal for the spiral gear to have end play. The thrust of the spiral gear driving the pump will keep the spiral gear pushed against the pinion gear.

[NP72Iron]

Thanks [mention]needspeed [/mention]! I appreciate that you always reply.


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[bustert]

hummm???
is not that gear set by diff splines
also, the depth is set with ref to the cam case flange
mr. need is correct on there being space.