Is this 22A980 gear usable?

[Gary Schulz]

Purchased an NOS 22A980 28 tooth second Gear from a fellow mk1 forum member and it appears that even though it is NOS it must have been pretty poorly stored for some years. I was just curious if the gearbox experts could weigh-in on whether or not this is any good to use with a new bearing and mainshaft for my 333 gearbox build. I spent some time cleaning and polishing but this is what it looks like and I am not sure if I am comfortable using it. I am certain that the transaction with the other forum member was done in good faith and perhaps he just didn't have a chance to look at it closely.

What do you think?

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[Dearg1275]

It rather depends on how you are going to use your car once finished. If you are going to rag it rotten, may be think twice about using it. If you are to pootle about and have a light right foot it may well out last you. If it’s NOS the general dimensions will be correct the surface damage just means wear will occur quicker to the rollers and the main shaft. In short who knows?

D

[Andrew1967]

Those were my thoughts too David.

[Spider]

With 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears, keep in mind, when they are loaded, they aren't rolling on the bearing and when they are unloaded, they are spinning on the bearing.

All the same, I'd give that one a miss as it is. I haven't measured the sizes of these but I'm wondering if it might be possible to have a lick ground from it and go to a non standard bearing or fit a bearing ring in it ?

[Gary Schulz]

So I have two "who knows" votes and one "no" vote. I am concerned that the surface may further break down especially if it is surface hardened so I am leaning toward not using it. Now, my bigger problem is where can I find a good one of these?

[OGW 1082]

Hi Gary,
Classic Mini Spares in NZ are showing new and used 22A980.
Regards,
Glen

[Terrapin-52]

Hi Gary

I would find a good known gear and take a measurement, have the gear honed at a engineers shop and check the size when/if it cleans up, a small amount of rock will be Ok, any more and you will have gear noise and bad sellection problems, the other is a new/good S/H gear and cut you loss

regards mike

[Gary Schulz]

Dimensionally this gear is fine but the surface hardening has been pitted and may be subject to further surface deterioration per several PM's on the subject. I found another one on UK ebay so hopefully that will do the trick.

Thanks for all your input.