356 timing sprocket damage

Posted by Scienceaddict On 2022/8/19 20:40:11

So I finally got a starter for the 356 engine I got a few months ago. Thanks to the Flackmaster for sending that behemoth of a starter my way.

So I got it installed, and it cranked pretty well for almost one revolution, when it suddenly seemed tight, and before I had the chance to cut the power, there was a sickening crunch and the distributor stopped spinning (though the crank now spins beautifully!)

I don't have a socket that fits the crank bolt, but I was able to get the timing cover off just far enough, to see that it appears the cam sprocket has shattered. Has anyone ever seen this before? What could have caused it, stuck valve perhaps? Should I throw a timing set at it, or should I focus on the 359 I have as well, that I know turns over smoothly and the cam is actually doing something?
Unfortunately, that motor needs a lot more parts to be useful than the 356, and I'd need to go starter shopping again.