I'm replacing my timing chain in my 82 22r. I need help! I've got everything removed from the timing chain cover including all bolts water pump, oil pump, fuel pump, bottom pulley and the distributor. My problem is I removed the distributor drive gear bolt and my drive gear won't budge. I've searched but can't find where anyone else has had this problem.

 

It's only held in with that one bolt. Put some muscle into it...it will come out.

 

I've yanked on it with enough force to rock the truck, I put my large channel locks behind it and taped on them with a hammer and it's still stuck. Should I try taping on it harder, don't want to brake anything?

 

don't go whacking on it - after all, it IS still attached to your cam shaft. I would remove the cam shaft and then try removing the drive gear. If you can't get it then, I would take it to machine shop

 

I was able to get it off by wedging two thin bladed putty knifes between the fuel pump cam lob and the timing gear, then twisting them until it popped out. Glade that's done.

 

Just found the problem. Seems the PO installed the cam gear backwards while installing the new RV cam.

 

Is that even possible with the alignment dowel on the cam shaft?

 

The 82 has a oblong hole in the cam gear that go's all the way through it and the gear will go on either way. Clearance from the block was cut in half and the timing dot was on the back side. My chain was riding in the middle of the guides and the drivers side guide's bracket was being cut by the chain. After turning it around the chain rides correctly in the guides and of course the timing dot is facing the front.

 

Am I right about the timing dot on the cam gear (sprocket) facing forward towards the radiator?