I'm installing a Mini Spares belt drive kit to replace my OEM timing gears. But, when trying to fit the replacement belt gears (Mini Spares' term) they are a very tight fit.
The Mini Spares instructions indicate these should be no more than a "light slide fit." But these are anything but. I would need to use a driver tool to pound these on, if they can be fitted at all, and I don't want to take that chance unless I get experienced opinion that's an appropriate action. The original sprockets were not hard to remove (no puller needed) though I did have to use a punch to knock the Woodruff key out of place - it was tough to remove for me.
It doesn't seem right, but what are my alternatives? I could try to grind out the belt gears for more clearance, but I'm worried about doing it precisely enough to maintain concentricity. Lubrication is no answer with this much resistance (I've tried.) Perhaps heat the gears? But I doubt the heat expansion, if it worked, would last long enough to slide the gears all the way in (and what do I do if I need to pull it out again?)
Has anyone experienced this with standard chain sprocket sets (simplex/duplex/OEM/aftermarket, etc.?) If so, what was the solution?
Dave