REFLECTOR: Franklin Accessory Gears

[John Dibble]

During my last oil change I got a big surprise, finding a lot of metal 
on my ADC oil filter screen.  This is a great filter and lets me see 
everything that's filtered from my oil. A magnet indicates that it is 
mostly steel.  There are shiny aluminum particles also.  My Franklin 
mechanic told me that the gears are the most likely problem, so I have 
removed them.  A local mechanic told me that the gears need replacing.  
He checked the cam and that looks good.  I sent the metal from the 
filter for analysis so I can make a final determination if I need to 
look for any thing else.  I took apart the alternator gear and there is 
wear between the gear and the housing.  I want to install a shim washer 
between the gear and the housing.  Bronze was suggested, but after 
seeing the wear, I think bronze will get eaten up fast, so I'm thinking 
of mild steel.  Any comments or ideas will be appreciated.

John