Roller Cam endplay
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 10,258
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From: Calif.
Roller Cam endplay
Got my new roller cam installed in the block and set about setting the endplay. Well, I was going to try and use a stamped steel timing cover, but this doesn't seem to be the best idea. During the first fitting there was about 1/4" of endplay front-to-rear. Not good. Did some adjusting and got it down to about .003" or so, but any more leverage than just a touch resulted in the timing cover pooching out where the cam putton rides against it. Even after fitting the water pump with the aim of providing the timing cover a little reinforcement, there was a little too much "poochiness" for my liking. Looks like i need a cast timing cover.
Anybody have an idea or part number for a cast alum SBC timing cover that will fit under a "short" water pump without having to grind relief in either the cover or the water pump legs? (Also, something that doesn't cost $100 would be nice, too.)
Anybody?
Anybody have an idea or part number for a cast alum SBC timing cover that will fit under a "short" water pump without having to grind relief in either the cover or the water pump legs? (Also, something that doesn't cost $100 would be nice, too.)
Anybody?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: Roller Cam endplay (The Dude)
End play of .003 sounds a little tight to me. I would guess, more like .006-.010. Don't take my word for it. Check with your cam grinder. Some aftermarket water pumps have a tab cast into then with a threaded hole that you can use for a thrust bolt to control camshaft end play. Just butt the bolt up to the timing cover to act as a reinforcement. If yours doesn't have the tab, maybe you can weld one on. I have also seen washers, etc, welded inside of the timing cover to stiffen it to control end play. Good luck.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,772
Likes: 33
From: Bradenton Florida
Re: Roller Cam endplay (CFI-EFI)
Milidon makes a decent cover. The have a "Y" welded inside the cover for reinforcement. Seems this cover with the short water pump should keep your endplay really close.
glancing at the summit cat. the part # MIL65555=38.00
Dennis
glancing at the summit cat. the part # MIL65555=38.00
Dennis
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 10,258
Likes: 1
From: Calif.
Re: Roller Cam endplay (BOWTYE8)
Thanks for the info. I'm going the Milodon route. I was cautioned that setting the endplay with a roller cam would be sort of complicated. I'm just glad it's on a stand and that I have the luxury of time to do it right.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Re: Roller Cam endplay (The Dude)
Yep, .006 to .010's the ticket.
Make sure you're using a roller thrust button too, the other types are like drill bits.
Unless you have the rear cam plug out or one of the TC covers with a hole in it for mounting a dial indicator, getting a really accurate measurement is pretty much guess and approximation.
You'd use a pry tool and move the cam all the way rearward, then see how much it moves forward. If you do a few times, you'll get a pretty good idea of how much play you really have.
If it's really a lot too much, throw a thin shim behind the roller button and try again. Too tight, grind the cam end of the roller button.
Keep us posted.
Jake
Make sure you're using a roller thrust button too, the other types are like drill bits.
Unless you have the rear cam plug out or one of the TC covers with a hole in it for mounting a dial indicator, getting a really accurate measurement is pretty much guess and approximation.
You'd use a pry tool and move the cam all the way rearward, then see how much it moves forward. If you do a few times, you'll get a pretty good idea of how much play you really have.
If it's really a lot too much, throw a thin shim behind the roller button and try again. Too tight, grind the cam end of the roller button.
Keep us posted.
Jake
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 10,258
Likes: 1
From: Calif.
Re: Roller Cam endplay (The Dude)
Brown brought the Milodon timing cover today. Looks like it will do the trick very nicely. Didn't come with a gasket, though. I'm partial to Fel-Pro, anyway, and probably wouldn't have used it, but day-um... :lol:
