Thanks

Hi Reeni
             I've been told that the Essex V6 "90% cast iron/10% Fibre" Mk2 had a much-improved Timing Gear over the Mk1 which was 100% Fibre.  I welcome correction if I'm wrong.
             Most sources say Burton Power in UK have the "goods". I expect Terry and/or John will advise if they know of any other sources so you have a choice.
             I'd like to buy one to keep as a spare, as I'm not convinced the improved Mk2 is infallible. All types ever made for any Make or Model are susceptible to wear and tear so a spare is good insurance in anyone's language. 
I'm sure others here feel the same, so may be an opportunity to buy in bulk and get a discount ?
            One way to get longevity out of your Timing Gear and hence the whole engine, is to change the 20W/50 Engine Oil and Filter every 12 months regardless of how little mileage your car has or hasn't done, and also same goes for every 3,000 mile if used regularly and does more than 3,000 mile (4,800 kms) per year.........  cheapest insurance under the sun; even for those who pay their Mechanic to have it done.
            IMHO and many other Mechanics with more ken than I ...  Before wasting money on superflous SYNTHETIC OIL, bear in mind the Mineral 20W/50 of today, is miles superior to the Mineral 20W/50 of the 70's when our Classics were made.  As an example, my 2 Cleveland 351 of 1971 and 1978 have run Castrol GTX (20W/50) since brand new, and both have raced at Sandown, and both are still as new. The same mineral 20W/50 is also specified for our salubrious Essex V6.
             Re painting, my 1972 D-Port was meant to be painted Black all over except the Alloy parts like Timing Cover, and Intake Manifold, which I painted in clear urethane.
 
cheers,
Bernie

I have good used original Bakelite type gears, I have a good used updated metal gear.  You can buy aluminium or steel gears from Burtons and ebay UK, Yesterford might sell them in Australia

Hi all
was wondering if anyone knows if the Zephyr V6 Essex uses same Set of Timing Gears as Oval port V6 in the 69-72 Capris ?
Zephyr  Cam Gear p.n 692M-6256 FA     ...............   Capri Oval-port Cam Gear 702M-6256 AD
 
all advice welcome ............... cheers

Those part numbers are so close.. 692 and 702 , which could be the year 1969 and 1970 , the 2, is a mystery tho , original fibre gears might have got a new compound to slow the disintegration. I believe they are the same, Essex is Essex, why make a different one. I was told the cam gears also fit transit van V4 Essex

Cheers Marty
many thanks
 
 

Hi All,
 
Timing Gear options:
 
1. After market aluminium gear.  Very strong and generally not noisy.
2. Ford steel with a nylon tooth.  Strong used in racing, quiet.  Available sometimes new found used in post 72 engines.
3. Aftermarket steel, very strong, heavy.  Can be noisy.
 
Do not replace with pre 72 bakelite or aftermarket steel with bakelite teeth.  These fail regularly and usually bend all exhaust valves.
 
After replacement always check that there is backlash between gear and crank gear.  No backlash can break camshafts.  Cam timing can also be affected. 
 
Regards
John

Very good info thanks John,
 
I take it from your warning, the Essex V6 is an "Interference Engine" (Pistons hit Valves when Timing is lost)?

Agree with John there, I used to be a mechanical assistant in the 90s and the boys owned a V6 Capri, low Ks and having an engine rebuild due to the fibrous cam gear exploded. He bought an ally one from Burton performance and once the engine was built and running it gave a nice light straight cut gears sound, almost can't hear it with the bonnet down.

Hi Guys
 
can anyone confirm if the Essex V6 in D-port or Oval Port are "INTERFERENCE" Engines ?
(Valves and pistons share the same space milliseconds apart)