engine tech

while assembling my short block i found the camshaft is moving out of the block over .025. the block is a 460 ford motorsport and i am using a milodon gear drive, i called them and was told they never heard of this problem. has anyone seen this happen? any comments or ideas would be greatly appreciated. thanks

Missing the retainer plate?
Is it a roller or flat tappet?

Its a mechanical roller and the gear drive mounting plate eliminates the original thrust plate

Put a chain on it or a Danny Bee.

Why the gear drive?

Ace

is the thrust washer on the back of the cam gear? ,looks like bronze or brass colored

Put the stock retainer on and see if you still have the end play. If not it must be either in the gear drive or the installation of it. Did you check the cam plug in the back of the block???

jeffgfg wrote:Put the stock retainer on and see if you still have the end play. If not it must be either in the gear drive or the installation of it. Did you check the cam plug in the back of the block???

Your first sentence is good and accurate info. But the second sentence is misleading, the cam plug in the back of the block has nothing to do with camshaft end play. The camshaft should never touch the cam plug in the back of the block, or even come close.

Charlie

Thanks for the correction Mr Evans. Always good to know that someone is keeping me from making stupid mistakes and keeping me on my toes.

c.evans wrote:
Your first sentence is good and accurate info. But the second sentence is misleading, the cam plug in the back of the block has nothing to do with camshaft end play.  The camshaft should never touch the cam plug in the back of the block, or even come close.
Charlie

First my apologizes for my confusion. Can you explain in terms of definite measurement the distance the camshaft should reside from the cam plug? You use the terms, "should never touch" and "or even come close", it seems misleading to me! For myself, would you offer a definite measurement or value (i.e.: 0.001", 0.050", 1/8" or a value of dimensions that I could add to my next engine build.)

Dave. ...    ...

jeffgfg wrote:Thanks for the correction Mr Evans. Always good to know that someone is keeping me from making stupid mistakes and keeping me on my toes.

It's OK Jeff, he gets plenty of correction during our road trips! ...    ...

Dave.

Thanks Dave  

For Super Dave,

BB Ford Engine Building 101 Steps;

1. After thoroughly cleaning the block for the final time, install the cam bearings.
2. Carefully install the camshaft without nicking any of the bearings. Use proper lube on the bearings.
3. Bolt on your cam retainer plate. Use Loc-tite on the two little bolts.
4. Bolt on your cam gear using Loc-tite and a proper length grade 8 bolt and check your camshaft end-play. Too much end play will cause eratic timing and spark scatter.
Steps 5. though 100. Proceed with the rest of your build.
101. After the engine is off the engine stand, setting on a cradle, you can install the cam plug from the back. Use sealer and drive it in, just enough to get a good seal. If you bump the camshaft, from the back, you drove it in too far!

Charlie    

Thank you Charlie. I feel blessed to have such a fart smeller like you around!

Dave.

LivermoreDave wrote:Thank you Charlie. I feel blessed to have such a fart smeller like you around!

Dave.

You got it.    

Meanwhile when are you going to come get this white '67 Fairlane S/S car and get started on it?

Charlie

Is the bolt holding the gear on the car too long? is the cam actually moving? or is the bolt too long and the gear is moving along the length of the bolt?

c.evans wrote:

LivermoreDave wrote:Thank you Charlie. I feel blessed to have such a fart smeller like you around!

Dave.

You got it.    

Meanwhile when are you going to come get this white '67 Fairlane S/S car and get started on it?

Charlie

When you get it to this stage, I'll come over and get it!

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