Predator 60 SE Gear Mesh Problem

[cgroves]

I am concerned about the gear mesh between the pinion and the main gear on my Predator 60 SE with an OS70 SZH. I have the pinion as close to the main gear as the slots will allow and the gears get tight, but not quite notchy when I put a strip of 24lb printer paper between the gears. When there is no paper between the gears there is enough play to rotate the outside edge of the clutch bell 1-1.5mm while the main gear is locked solid. Is this too much play? I don't want to risk stripping the main gear on my new toy.
Thanks

[Kenji]

I use a peice of gum wrapper paper to get my gear mesh right on all my toys. I use orbit gum wrapper. It seems to be just the right thickness. Good Luck.

[bighands3d]

Get the mesh as close as you can and still spin free. Min backlash is best. As long as it's free.

[cgroves]

The problem is the mounting slots seem to be too short. I think it should be tighter but I can't move it any closer. Doesn't seem right that I need to dremel out the slots to get the mesh correct.

[Kenji]

I would almost fill in the slots with epoxy and re-drill the slots so you can get the correct mesh. I do not know your handyman skill though. You don't want to be 30' in the air and your main gear strip. They make a bit for the dremal that would make it easy. When all fails tear it all apart and put it back together.

[RAV50]

On the Predator, you can also some thin (.02 or .05) 5mm x 7mm shims behind the pinion gear to move it forward a bit. This will tighten it all up without needing to notch anything.

[bighands3d]

If you move the pinion forward you will need to add a shim behind the engine as well to keep it lined up straight. I would use any means to fix the problem I have never encontered this typ of problem And I have build like ten of them.

you may have to slot them just a bit to get the mesh right then re shim the engine for alignment.

[Rodney]

I have seen this problem on a standard predator when converted to the split gear drive. I think he had to notch the frames alittle to get it right and then add a engine shim.