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?

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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: