Ok, so Ive got a motor in my basement right now and the flywheel on it has a bit of damage to the outter edge of the ring gear.

My question is, since they are just pressed on, can I pop it off and turn it around and use the other edge since its still good?
It looks like the gear is directional since the teeth angle one way slightly, but It doesnt look like it would really matter since its so minor (definately better than the crunched up other edge).

If I can re-use it with the clean inside edge, does anyone have any tips for getting the ring gear back on once its popped off? I was thinking that maybe if I froze the flywheel, and heated the ring gear in the oven that it might just pop back on there!, or is there a special trick?
Also, If my theory wont work, is there a place to get a new ring gear cheap?

 

You would be better off replacing the ring or the flywheel. Yes, they are usually installed with the heat/cold process you described. As for where to buy a new ring gear, no clue.

 

Man I thought you knew everything. LOL I couldn t find them new either.

 

Not yet, still working on it. If I do manage to learn everything, that's like achieving God status, then I wouldn't have time for all of you mere mortals.

So I think I'll remain ignorant in a few areas and can stick around, it's too much fun here to leave anyway.

 

you can get ring gears for about 60 bucks throught mazdatrix or tweakit.net
might be cheaper to replace with a used one from the same year

 

I had to have a machine shop replace the ring gear on my MGB when I restored it.

Rich

 

i changed mine and used a used ring gear off another flywheel i had and it was not a tight of a fit as i liked so tiged a couple of tack welds on it evenly spaced but still had it balanced but yes it is a press on gear i would go new but at the time didn't know anyone sold new gears

 

Actually, having just installed a new ring gear on an '85 12A flywheel, I can tell you that they are tapered slightly inside. Therefore, no you cannot just turn it around.
10 minutes in the oven at 450F, and it fell into place unassisted.
Mazdatrix is the only place I can remember seeing the ring gear listed seperately.