RB crank gear on CA18

[Matej]

Hello,
Can anyone confirm that an RB crank gear is a direct fit on the CA? The part numbers are different, but the part numbers are different even between the various RB models, yet the part is the same. The RB and CA gears look the same as far as I can tell. Both have 24 teeth, and even the timing mark is in the same spot.



The main reason I am curious is because I would like to use the Ross hi-tensile steel gear with the pre-tapped holes, just so I never have to go through the pain of removing one of these again. (The holes appear a bit too close to the edge, but if people run them on monster RB's, I assume it should be fine on a CA.)

[float_6969]

It's never been asked in here before, so we don't know. Those do look REALLY nice though!

[themadscientist]

I want to say yes, but even though I've had both in my hand many times I never swapped them. The belts appear to be the same tooth profile so if the thickness, diameter and hole size are the same I see no reason why it wouldn't work. Contact Ross and ask them. They make RB and CA stuff and could probably confirm or deny your suspicion. If it's the same you could suggest they mention it on their website so others know. I've had to split every CA gear I've ever pulled for the first time so having a supercool replacement would be great.

[float_6969]

Yea, aparently I was a lucky one. Mine is the same one that came on the motor from the factory. I DID have a hard time getting it off the first time, but I've always coated it (and the woodruff key and the crank pulley) in anti seize every time I've put it back on.

[themadscientist]

I just give it a smear of oil before I slide it on and have had good results getting them back off. I've always been able to yank them off with a little wiggle of a screwdriver and pull.

[Matej]

The inner and outer diameter along with the tooth pattern are the same, but the RB gear is approximately 6mm thicker.

Ross is willing to make me a CA18-specific gear for about 160$ +shipping (this may be in Australian dollars, in which case it would be slightly less in US dollars), plus a stock CA18 gear for measurements. I asked if I could just pay them to source one locally, since it would be a hassle to mail them a gear from the US, especially since CA18's are a lot more abundant in Australia.

Would anyone else be interested in purchasing the gear? I inquired about the possibility of a group buy, even if only a couple of people may be interested.

[float_6969]

Mine's never been stuck, so I can't see spending that on one, and I always cover it in antiseize when I put it back on, so I doubt I'll ever wish I had it. Others may want it though.

[themadscientist]

No interest here either. I have a couple of NITB ones and have no problem with splitting old ones that piss me off.