# 1543897 Idler Gear | Genuine Volvo Penta Part

## 🔧 Product Description

This is a genuine Volvo Penta idler gear from the engine group, used in the timing gear train of the 16-litre TAMD, TWD, TAD and TID engine families. It transmits drive between the crankshaft gear and the driven gears, maintaining correct timing and rotation direction within the gear train. Supplied as an individual gear with a net weight of approximately 3.84 kg.

## 🚤 Compatibility

-   **Engine Family:** TWD, TID, TD, TAMD, TAD
-   **HP Range:** Approximately 468-770 HP
-   **Year Range:** Approximately 1987-2005

Full model list at the end of this description.

## ⚙️ Key Features

-   OEM Volvo Penta part number 1543897
-   System group: Engine
-   Net weight approximately 3.84 kg
-   Fits TAMD162, TAMD163, TAMD165, TAD1630/1631, TWD1620/1630, TID162 and TD164 series 16-litre engines
-   Genuine Volvo Penta component for timing gear train service
-   Engine type: 16.1L inline-six turbocharged/aftercooled diesel

## 🔌 Function

The idler gear sits between driving and driven gears in the engine's timing gear train, transferring rotation while maintaining correct gear spacing and timing relationships. It also allows the drive direction and gear ratio of the train to be set without direct gear-to-gear contact between the primary components.

## ⚠️ Common Signs of Failure

-   Whining, growling or rattling noise from the timing gear end of the engine
-   Excessive backlash or play when the gear train is checked
-   Visible pitting, chipping or wear on the gear teeth
-   Bearing or bushing wear allowing the gear to wobble on its shaft
-   Metal debris or gear material found in the engine oil or filter

## 🛠️ Service Notes

-   Inspect the gear teeth, the bearing or bushing and the shaft or hub it runs on together — a new gear on a worn shaft will be noisy and short-lived
-   Check the mating gears at the same time; a chipped or pitted tooth on either side will damage the new idler
-   Where the gear forms part of a timed drive, set it up to the timing marks and the procedure in the workshop manual for your engine and confirm timing before turning the engine over
-   Measure backlash and endfloat by the method in the manual rather than judging them by feel, and fit any thrust washer or plate in its original order and direction
-   Oil the bearing surfaces and teeth on assembly and turn the drive over by hand to check it runs free before the covers go back on

## 🔄 Supersession & Cross Reference

### OEM / Related Numbers

-   1543917 companion idler gear
-   1543799 idler spindle
-   1543901 bearing shield
-   1556593 bearing shield for the fuel-injection-pump idler position
-   1543597 pin
-   914459 snap ring

## 📦 Condition

-   Genuine Volvo Penta part
-   Brand new
-   Supplied in original or equivalent packaging

## 🔎 Full Model Compatibility

Typically suits:

-   Volvo Penta TAMD162C-C, TAMD162A, TAMD162B, TAMD162C, TAMD162C-B
-   Volvo Penta TID162AG, TID162AGP, TID162AP, TID162APB
-   Volvo Penta TAD1630G, TAD1630GE, TAD1630P
-   Volvo Penta TAMD165A, TAMD165C, TAMD165P
-   Volvo Penta TWD1630G, TWD1630P, TWD1630V
-   Volvo Penta TAD1631GE, TAD1631G
-   Volvo Penta TAMD163A-A, TAMD163P-A
-   Volvo Penta TD164KAE
-   Volvo Penta TWD1620G

## Details

- **Price:** 2176.89 AUD
- **Vendor:** Volvo Penta
- **Type:** Engine Components
- **Tags:** Volvo Penta Parts | Genuine Marine Engine & Service Components

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 2176.89 AUD | In stock |

## Images

- 1543897 Idler Gear | Genuine Volvo Penta Part

---

> Source: [Sawley's Auto and Marine](https://www.sawleysautoandmarine.com.au/products/1543897-idler-gear-genuine-volvo-penta)
> Updated: 2026-10-10