So finally was able to get the cam gear off the camshaft (after a few tries, finally was able to get a "loaner" puller from one of the local parts stores, and was able to pull the gear off).
Before I removed the camshaft I measured the end play and was ~0.020 (spec is 4 - 7 thou).
p38 of my manual reads:
D-50. ·Camshaft End Play
End play of the camshaft is determined by running clearance between the rear face of the camshaft gear and the thrust plate and is established by the spacer thickness. The standard clearance is .004" to .007" [0,102 a 0,178 mm.] and can be measured by a dial indicator. As a general rule this clearance will change but little through wear or when a new gear is installed. To predetermine the correct end float with the gear, spacer, and thrust plate removed, measure the thickness of both the thrust plate and spacer with a micrometer. The thickness of the spacer should be approximately .006" [0,152 mm.] greater than that of the thrust plate. When this is correct and the parts are assembled and drawn tightly together by the gear retaining screw, the end play should come within standard limits.
Now that I have the cam gear off, my thrust plate and spacer read:
Thrust plate: 0.181
Spacer: 0.187
So according to the manual, my end play should be perfect at 0.006
However, this only occurs when the parts are assembled and drawn tightly together by the gear retaining screw
My manual states that the camshaft gear to camshaft should be tightened to 30-40 ft lbs (so tight but not crazy tight). The only conclusion I can come up with is that the gear wasn't fully "drawn tightly together". Now for some photos:
Thrust Plate and Spacer - Question - is there supposed to be as much space between the two around the circumference as we have here?
Camshaft Gear Washer - Question: I'm thinking this is not supposed to be dished at all...
So my suspicion is that the gear didn't seat fully, and Bubba's "solution" was to provide a few more "ugga duggas". I'd find it really hard to bend that washer so much (given how thick it is).
Would welcome thoughts / opinions / recommendations. At the very least i'll have to see if i can source a new camshaft gear washer...
Final Question - is the cam gear supposed to be that tight? Interference fit? Or should it just slide on, and be held by the bolt and washer at 40 ft lbs?
Thanks!
Before I removed the camshaft I measured the end play and was ~0.020 (spec is 4 - 7 thou).
p38 of my manual reads:
D-50. ·Camshaft End Play
End play of the camshaft is determined by running clearance between the rear face of the camshaft gear and the thrust plate and is established by the spacer thickness. The standard clearance is .004" to .007" [0,102 a 0,178 mm.] and can be measured by a dial indicator. As a general rule this clearance will change but little through wear or when a new gear is installed. To predetermine the correct end float with the gear, spacer, and thrust plate removed, measure the thickness of both the thrust plate and spacer with a micrometer. The thickness of the spacer should be approximately .006" [0,152 mm.] greater than that of the thrust plate. When this is correct and the parts are assembled and drawn tightly together by the gear retaining screw, the end play should come within standard limits.
Now that I have the cam gear off, my thrust plate and spacer read:
Thrust plate: 0.181
Spacer: 0.187
So according to the manual, my end play should be perfect at 0.006
However, this only occurs when the parts are assembled and drawn tightly together by the gear retaining screw
My manual states that the camshaft gear to camshaft should be tightened to 30-40 ft lbs (so tight but not crazy tight). The only conclusion I can come up with is that the gear wasn't fully "drawn tightly together". Now for some photos:
Thrust Plate and Spacer - Question - is there supposed to be as much space between the two around the circumference as we have here?
Camshaft Gear Washer - Question: I'm thinking this is not supposed to be dished at all...
So my suspicion is that the gear didn't seat fully, and Bubba's "solution" was to provide a few more "ugga duggas". I'd find it really hard to bend that washer so much (given how thick it is).
Would welcome thoughts / opinions / recommendations. At the very least i'll have to see if i can source a new camshaft gear washer...
Final Question - is the cam gear supposed to be that tight? Interference fit? Or should it just slide on, and be held by the bolt and washer at 40 ft lbs?
Thanks!
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