Camshaft end play - binding

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

As a followup to my earlier posting on "engine won't crank fast enough to start", it seems like my problem may have been related to camshaft play. I stripped the engine down entirely and until I was done, the only thing left was the timing set, and the crank still wouldn't turn over easily.

It seems that when I tighten and torque the camshaft timing gear retaining bolt, the camshaft pulls up tight to the front of the engine and binds. What would be causing this? After looking through the shop manual, the only thing I can come up with is the thrust plate may be worn or it's a problem with the new cam that I got.

The engine shop that did my cylinder bore and valve job also ordered my new replacement cam (Comp cam). I figured I would have them order it because they might have a better idea of what to get than I would.

What do you think might be the problem and how would you recommmend resolving it? If it's a thrust plate, where can I get one? I get most of my parts from advance auto and they don't have one listed in their online catalog for the 200. Would Napa carry this?

Thanks all...

 

[Stubby]

There should be a spacer on the end of the cam. It should be a little thicker than the retainer. This allows for end play.

Also, the bolts for the retainer on most engines will have short heads compared to a regular bolt. This alows for clearence between the bolt and cam gear. In most instances low head bolts aren't needed.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply, Stubby.

A spacer, huh. Do you mean in addition to the thrust plate? I don't remember seeing one when I disassembled the engine and removed the original cam. OK, I do see it now on the image in the factory service manual when I look closely. Now where did that thing get to?

Thanks. I'll look around the garage for it.

 

[wsa111]

The spacer goes between the dowel pin & #1 camshaft journal.

You will have to remove the dowel pin to install the spacer, champhered inner lip toward the camshaft journal so the radius of the snout & # 1 journal will let the spacer sit on the front of the journal.

If you damage the dowel pin they are in the fel-pro & pioneer line.

Good luck on finding your old spacer, it may be still on your old camshaft??

 

[80Stang]

Pics for what you are looking for:

http://fordsix.com/forum/viewtopic.php? ... cam+spacer

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks, wsa. Very good description. I appreciate the help. 80stang, thanks for pointing me to the other thread with the pics. That's what was missing. As wsa, stated, it was there on my old camshaft still, thankfully. Boy, that part really blends in with the camshaft when you're not looking for it. I'm back in business now. Thanks for all the pointers and tips. It spins over much nicer with that spacer in place. I guess I'll put her all back together and try to start it again.