The secret revealed
Given the reliance on special tools for every other operation on this engine it is surprising how agricultural is the method for extracting this precision gear set. The picture on the left shows the cross-shaft half way through being withdrawn.
Method
- Having removed the screw-in plug from either side of the shaft cavity next pull out the split-pin and undo the nut from each end of the shaft.
- Screw a flat ended nut onto the 'A' (off side) end of the shaft until it is flush with the end of the thread.
- Using a soft (eg copper) 0.5" diameter drift and a good hammer, give a sharp tap on the 'A' end of the shaft in line with its axis; this should release the gear from its taper by slightly displacing the shaft.
- Remove the nut, gear and spacing washer.
- Use the hammer and drift to drive the shaft through to the 'B' side of the engine. The 'B' side spacing tube and collars will be driven out by the centre gear locknut.
This picture shows the shaft half way out; the centre gear being above and to the right of the camshaft.
The cross-shaft components. The 'A' side spacing tube is still in the block. The 'B' side spacing tube is a one-piece assembly with the two machined end disks. The Woodruff key has been removed from the shaft for safe keeping.
