I see replacement pinon gears in common Intermatic lamp timers was
discussed in 2005. A more current model [TN711] and drive motor [WG2030]
uses a pinon gear that has readily crumbled [in the heat and humidity of
Hawaii, anyway]. The remnants are a golden, waxy color.
Poor quality nylon?
The gear train is hard plastic. The gear train works fine.
My question, for curiosity's sake, is why would the pinon gear be made of
such soft/poor/fragile material?