Idler shaft key and other questions

Cavediver · Post by **Cavediver** » Wed Apr 10, 2013 5:24 pm

So I'm finally beginning to reassemble the headstock ('56), and have run into a couple of things that need clarification.

1: My idler shaft key has a small bend or curl at one end. Should this be, or should it be flat all the way down? I believe the curl was at the floating end of the shaft (away from the eccentric bushing).

2: When locking down the eccentric bushing, should it be pushed all the way out to the capture screw on the outside? (Picture #4 in this thread by JPG40504)
In this position, the Gilmer belt will run up against the clutch end of the teeth (on the main shaft), not in the middle as I would expect.

3: Should I use loctite on the eccentric-to-bearing set screw, the capturing screw (mentioned above), or the eccentric claming screw?

That's it for now. I'm sure I'll have a few more tonight after I assemble and disassemble it three or four (more) times

Thanks!

PS: JPG40504, thank you for your work on the reassembly posts! Too bad I put the upper shaft in just like you showed it: without the belt...
Lol!
I even read the post (several times) and picked up the belt before I started the installation.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Wed Apr 10, 2013 7:06 pm

The key has a 'kink' in the end towards the idler sheave. The idler sheave covers that end. The kink goes into a depression in the shaft. With the kink in the depression, and the idler sheave covering the end, the key is held captive. The idler sheave needs to come off the shaft to get the kink into the depression. There is a very small retaining clip that rides in a groove in the idler shaft that retains the idler sheave on the shaft.

Do not use any loc-tite!!!!:eek:

I have forgotten the belt a few times myself!:D

If you have the 'capture' screw I assume you have a "B" headstock. I have encounter 'issues' with the "A" casting clips(Bill Mayo does not use them at all, he discards them and adds a screw/washer). Make sure the lock screw is positioned in the groove around the bearing(barely snugged). The gilmer(or poly-v for that matter) belt needs to be perpendicular to both shafts. Some positioning can be done with the eccentric 'penetration'.

I have only reassembled a couple of gilmers so I defer to others here.

Cavediver · Post by **Cavediver** » Wed Apr 10, 2013 7:16 pm

JPG40504 wrote: There is a very small retaining clip that rides in a groove...

I was afraid you were gonna say that. That clip was a bit of a hassle the first time, maybe it'll be a bit easier this time.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Wed Apr 10, 2013 7:26 pm

Cavediver wrote:I was afraid you were gonna say that. That clip was a bit of a hassle the first time, maybe it'll be a bit easier this time.

Cavediver · Post by **Cavediver** » Wed Apr 10, 2013 7:41 pm

Problem solved. It really was easier this time!
At least I've made that mistake and won't do it again.

'Till next time...

Thanks for the help!