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Well, I figured out why my engine did not start up correctly on the last go around. Keep in mind that I never had the original internals except for the crank, main and rods My mistake was to reuse the comp cam retainer and bolts that I had previously purchased for the flat tappet Comp Cam NL79+. I did purchase a chrome style headman header timing cover which had the slots to hold the cam button. It seems that this is where things went south with installing the retro roller since the cover was flexing enough to allow contact to the retainer plate and top of the bolts. Over the weekend, I found out this problem to still exist because I thought well I should replace the comp cam retainer since that one was all eaten up. I thought the cam walked forward pushing up against the chrome stamped timing cover causing the issue. This time around I bought a cloyes two piece aluminum cover. I discovered that the center round cover was not clearing the retainer. I have to purchase a thin profile bolts to install the timing gear and ditch the retainer plate. I did purchase some round head allen bolts but decided to order the ARP ones instead plus some red locitite. Lesson learned so that is good.
Are you using a short waterpump? Note the comp 2 piece states it will not fit with a short pump.
Are you saying you have problem with these bolts hitting your timing cover? Aren't they shorter than the cam button?
Last edited by Scott Marzahl; Feb 4, 2025 at 11:48 AM.
Are you using a short waterpump? Note the comp 2 piece states it will not fit with a short pump.
Are you saying you have problem with these bolts hitting your timing cover? Aren't they shorter than the cam button?
Maybe pictures will help to explain the problem. The comp cam 3 bolt kit with retainer will rub. Now, with the short water pump not so much as a problem because of the front motor mount. I ditched the stamp steel cover and went with a Cloyes 2 piece timing cover with an adjustable integrated cam button. I discovered that the center round plate was rubbing against the retainer as it did previously with the stamp steel cover.
You can see the retainers which go past the bolts which prevented the center cover to sit flush (aluminum and does not flex)
Temporarily, I bought some round head allen bolts to test this and found that the round cover would sit flush properly. I am going to change the three round head allen bolts with ARP 12 point thin bolts with red loctite.
As you can see it clears with the allen bolts and without the retainer.
Please show us your cam button. Does it stick out like Scott Marzahl asked? I am following but don't understand your original setup. Here is a pic of my last short water pump build cam button with retainer. JP
I have to say one good benefit of running a front motor mount with a short water pump will clear the timing cover. Right now, just testing the fitment without the water pump gaskets.
Please show us your cam button. Does it stick out like Scott Marzahl asked? I am following but don't understand your original setup. Here is a pic of my last short water pump build cam button with retainer. JP
I am using a two piece timing cover from cloyes. It has an integrated cam bearing that is adjustable for the end play.
Thanks for the explanation but what does the cover button contact on the cam end? JP
The cover was hitting the retainers. I could see the marks on the back round center cover. It would not set flush too. Now, it does with retainer removed and thinner head bolts. I have a set of ARP thin profile 12 point bolts on order. Now, the cam button instructions says to go counter clockwise until the cam button is fully seated into the cover, install the cover then turn the cam clockwise until it stops using a screwdriver. Then turn 1/8 off of that point to allow the cover to expend when it heats up. Install the set screw on the outer cover.
Thanks. I found the pictures of your original cam thrust bearing setups in your other threads. Was the nylon setup the one that rubbed? JP
The nylon cam button was rubbing but the retainers were hitting the previous cover. Both rubbed... I just did not find the problem when I used the old cover so the engine got pulled.
roller vs flat tappet cam setup
