Abstract: A detachable timing gear cassette unit for an internal combustion engine. The cassette has side walls separate from the cylinder block of the engine, and the side walls form a housing. The housing contains the camshaft sprocket, the crankshaft sprocket, a timing chain that connects the sprockets, a tensioner to maintain a suitable tension in the timing chain and positioning ribs to position the sprockets within the housing. Engine oil is circulated through the housing, in a generally downwardly direction, to lubricate the sprockets and the chain and to cool the oil. The cooling of the oil is assisted by internal ribs on the inside of the housing and by external ribs on the outside of the housing.