Is there a trick to remove the cam gear on a straight 8 (248). I removed the center bolt with no problems but the gear is stuck. Does it need to be pulled off with a puller? Is there a key way that is involved? It is very heavy covered in sludge that makes it difficult to see eveything.

I'm not certain, but I would be willing to bet that you do need to use a puller of some sort, and yes, there usually is a key used to keep the gear aligned in the proper orientation. Are there threaded holes (or just holes, you may not be able to see the threads) on the gear? They should be symmetrical; see if there are and if you can thread them with a bolt. If not, then you'll need to sue the kind of puller with geeper-claws (did you like that, it's a highly technical term and not surprised you've never heard it!) to get some steady/even mechanical grip to pull it away from the shaft.
U'mmm, I hope this was a little bit of help?
Jaybird

I removed the plate that holds the cam into the block and removed the gear still on the cam as one unit. I am going to let the machine shop work on it. I could not get a puller that I had that would get a good grip. It may be rusted on or I am a chicken on using enought force.