Differential Backlash and Gear Mesh

[bob in CT]

I picked up a Starrett "Last Word" set pretty cheap on eBay and borrowed a magnetic base to hold it.

[Mr E]

cut the news paper in 2' x 10" STRIPS. PLACE IN GEARS ,ROTATE. IF IT CUTS THE PAPER ITS TOO TITE. WEAR PATTERN TOO DEEP! WHERE IT HAS MARKED THE PAPER IS THE WEAR PATTERN.BEEN WORKING FOR ME FOR 35 +YEARS..THE GOOP AND PAINT IS OK TOO

Clark, did your shift-lock key get stuck? Looks like you're yellin'...........

[Wakulla Bill]

Raymond, I may have an extra Dial indicator in one of my tool boxes,I will try to put my hands on it this weekend. If you still need one PM me for details and I will make you a great deal on it, I might have a magnetic stand as well.
Bill

[Rudi]

This has been kinda interesting. I am totally lost, but I think I am learning a bit. It is hard when one doesn't really understand the mechanicals but the neat thing is that you can learn a little bit at a time and eventually "get it" ...

I use a dial indicator with a mag base constantly in my wood shop. One of them tools that become indispensable once you own one

[RaymondDurban]

Raymond, I may have an extra Dial indicator in one of my tool boxes,I will try to put my hands on it this weekend. If you still need one PM me for details and I will make you a great deal on it, I might have a magnetic stand as well.
Bill

Thanks Bill, PM sent...

[phildidit]

Ok. This is for us dummies but what is the backlash you are talking about. I understand the gear mwsh.

[RaymondDurban]

Phil, on the end of the countershaft is the pinion gear that engages the differential gear. If you hold the countershaft, which holds the pinion, and gently rock the differential up and down, the play between the two is the backlash. It is adjusted by adding or removing shims on the differential carriers and at the front of the countershaft.

[phildidit]

Got it. Thank you for clearing that up

[MarkJacobson]

For another kind of mesh indicator try Desenex foot spray, you'll be amazed.

[Gerry Powell]

A thought, Raymond and my photos of gear pattern don't look like the Fig. B but more like Fig. A. Could this be because of the 50+ years wear on the gears?

[RaymondDurban]

I took the fellas recommendations and bought a dial indicator to check the backlash. It was in fact too tight as thought. I changed a few shims to bring the backlash within specs and it did change the pattern on the teeth closer to what the book shows. I didn't take any "after" photos though.

A thought, Raymond and my photos of gear pattern don't look like the Fig. B but more like Fig. A. Could this be because of the 50+ years wear on the gears?

This particular transmission is out of a 1970 154 with what I believe to have relatively low hours, but I would imagine that an older Cub would be very difficult to get the exact pattern that the book calls for with the 50+ years of wear you mention.

[glennhuff]

A whole lot of useful information here. Thanks to all who contributed. I will use this information tomorrow.

glenn