I have just been told that the timing gears have failed in my 73 eldo convert. I have also been told that the engine needs to come out to replace them. The car has only about 65k on it but the cost of these repairs will exceed the value. Is this true? Is it a common thing? :eek:

As I recall, that car has a 501 cid engine and a football field of real estate under the hood. It's been a long time since I've even seen one, but I'd bet dollars to donuts that is can be done with the engine right where it is. Get another estimate.

I'm sure if the radiator is removed there woul be more than enough room to do the job

I'm not even sure that would be necessary. Those battle ships had acres and acres of room under the hood.

Is this a common thing?

Is what common? Timing gear wear? Yeah, somewhat. They used nylon gears to keep the noise down and the teeth wear away. The replacement will be steel. Compare the two and you'll be amazed.

73 eldos are tanks the chain shoudn't go at such a low mileage unless there should be a 1 in front of that 65K mi.,sorry i can't help you more we just don't get many on this forum. try the 472, 500,etc. forum for more answers to your questions

I'll move this thread over there.

If you do put a chain and gears in your eldo... make sure you use a Cloyes #3139 set... they have cheaper sets , but if your going to do the job its not worth cheaping out...If the chain has jumped more than one tooth, 73 are small chamber heads, the pistons can hit the valves... so the first thing to do is pull off the rockerarms and put compressed air to the spark plug holes and see if the valves are leaking... you will hear the air blowing out the carb or tailpipe or both... If they are leaking you will need all new valves...
And yes you can change it with the motor in the car... but its not eazy.. But its really hard to pull that motor out..