I have the engine nearly together on the engine stand.  When I degreed the cam it turned freely.  However, I did not measure the cam end play with a dial indicator.  The cam was not tight when turned by hand, but the end play was not noticeable. I assumed if it turned freely the end play was acceptable. It is possible the cam freeze plug is taking up some of the play.  My machinist installed it. I did not groove the cam thrust plate in this engine.  I have built Y Blocks in the past, but I have never heard about two different thickness cam thrust plates. What will happen if I don't have enough cam free play?  Would you pull the front cover off and check it again or leave it as it is?

I target for 0.005” +/- 0.001” for camshaft end play.  This is easily measured before installing the camshaft by measuring the difference in the cam thrust plate and cam thrust washer thicknesses.  The cam thrust washer obviously must be thicker than the thrust plate and not the other way around.  When installing the camshaft, be sure it falls at least 0.015" behind the front face of the block.  If it doesn't, then the cam plug is likely driven in too deeply.  It’s also important that the cam thrust washer be installed with the chamfer facing the cam shaft or there will be too much end play.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Florida_Phil.  While you're at it, consider modifying the camshaft retainer.  Give thought to where you put the grooves.  Consider 10, 4, 2, and 8 o'clock as locations.  Grooves do not need to be deep . . .



Notching the cam bearing plate allows oil to better lube the end of the cam.  Look closely and you can see the ring where the cam scored the plate due to lack of adequate oil lubrication.

Hope this helps! 

Hmmmm.  The picture did not make the posting. 


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

I think the .004 clearance is need to allow for heat expansion and room for oil to get between the retainer and gear, but I could be wrong and someone will correct me.

Why do you think that you don't have enough?  If the engine turns easily, then you at least have some.  The only way to check is to pull the timing cover and measure with a dial indicator.

A cam plug which is installed too deep can take up the play as well.


Lawrenceville, GA

Here's some text from John Mummert's Y Block Assembly errors.

Cam thrust. It appears that Ford used 2 different thickness thrust washers and plates on the cam. With the wrong combination there will be no end play in the cam. Ensure .004" movement during assembly.

I am concerned that I do not have enough cam end play.  Can anyone give me some advice on this subject?