I drove to Susquehanna Spares in Carlyle, PA and picked up a new timing gear, felt seal and gasket. All the clattering heard a couple of days ago was indeed the fiber gear separating from the steel hub. The gear came off with the hub still seated tight on the cam. Fortunately a few taps with hammer on a large screwdriver caused enough movement to walk the hub off.

The old felt seal was incomplete and easily broke into many pieces. The new seal was much thicker than expected. It was a major event trying to get the retaining ring in over the felt seal and washer.

Everything went back together without much difficulty. As a bonus, the radiator got a lot of debris hosed off while it was out.

I just wanted to let some of the less experienced, like myself, know that replacing the timing gear is not a very difficult job. Just don't get frustrated trying to line up the index marks and punch the gear like I did. Those spiral teeth are sharp!

The car started right up with no more clanking. It does whirr a bit more than it used to though.

Best regards,

Joe M