determining cam endplay

[rrubel]

Here's a tickler of a question... I'm getting ready to install my new roller cam, with cam button and thrust washer. The instructions that come with it say to install the cam, washer, timing chain, and timing cover, and THEN check for cam play. How in the heck do I do that with the timing cover on??? Is there some special method using the distributor end of the camshaft?

Thanks...
[RICHR]

 

[motorman]

check it with a dial indicator before you install the rear cam expansion plug. make sure you use a renforced timing gear cover because the std one will just push out. some water pumps come with a adjustment bolt on the bottom back side to press against the timing gear cover.

 

[rrubel]

Ok... you lost me completely. Rear cam expansion plug? Reinforced timing cover? I find it hard to imagine my cover would "push out" as it is held on with about 8 bolts. What is this cam expansion plug?
Thanks.
[RICHR]

 

[motorman]

Ok... you lost me completely. Rear cam expansion plug? Reinforced timing cover? I find it hard to imagine my cover would "push out" as it is held on with about 8 bolts. What is this cam expansion plug?
Thanks.
[RICHR]

the plug is in the rear of the block at the back of the camshaft and the timing gear cover is just thin stamped sheed metal and you need to braze a 1/8" thick reinforcemant inside the cover to prevent it from bend outward.

 

[livinez]

Flex out might be a better term for the cover

How is your project coming ?
Hopefully my block is done today, so I can start reassembly. It was just too dirty to clean myself and this way the cam bearings and freeze plugs are done for Me. Never comfortable doing those myself for some reason.
Staying stockish here, maybe a cam for more lowend that doesnt involve computer work. Air pump and its fittings are gone. Exhaust manifolds air lines cut and brazed, cat gutted. Down the road will run pipes to Hooker Mufflers. No smog checks here. Other free mods as I get feed back on whats worth doing.
Hope it goes well, TC

 

[rrubel]

Project is going OK. Just got the rest of the parts (heads, intake) back from the porting shop so I'm working on re-assembly.

What would be pushing against the timing cover? The cam button? How does a "normal" cam stay in place and keep from walking, and why wouldn't that work for my new one?

This is all a new issue for me...

[RICHR]

 

[motorman]

flat tappet cams have a taper ground into the lobes which pushes the cam to the back of the block along with the convex shape if the lifter bottom. yes the cam buttom would be pushing against the timing gear cover because roller cams do not have the taper ground into the lobes. milodon the oil pan company sells a timing gear cover with the renforcement welded in or you can use one of the cast aluminum cover which are strong enought.