The brass gear can be inspected my removing the block off plate next to it
and looking down. I have never seen one fail except when someone messes it
up.

There is supposed to be 2 shims under the distributor drive gear. The combo
positions the gear and acts as a bearing. If one or both is missing, then
the gear will wear down into the case until such time that it no longer
drives the distributor. There should be a spring between the drive and the
distributor to hold it down and push the distributor shaft up. Once the
drive shaft is removed, the shims need to be positioned in the case and
maybe held with grease before re-installing. If the shims were placed on the
bottom of the drive gear and the gear was then installed, forcefully, the
brass gear on the crank will be destroyed and a full engine teardown will be
necessary to replace it. Yes, I've seen it done!

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
George Thorburn
Sent: Saturday, August 26, 2006 10:52 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Broken timing gear?

My van died the other day.  ('85 Westfalia with 1.9 WBX)
Every thing was running fine (we just drove 2000 km. without a problem) when
the van died.
When I tried to retart the motor it sounded as if the timing was wrong.  On
investigation I found I was able to turn the rotor without turning the
motor.
I was near a Vanagon freindly shop so I had the van towed there.
The distributor is fine and the gear that drives the distributor looks good
(the drive gear was hard to pull out of the block).
The mechanic tried to reinstall the drive gear but it does not seat
properly, it will turn when the motor is cranked but it pushes up and bangs
on the bottom of the distributor.
Is it safe to assume that the brass gear on the end of the crank is damaged?
Has anyone one on the list had any dealings with Auto Folks in Langley BC.
( I will check Larry's list)
George
'85 Westfalia