You only pry gently, same as you would for checking crank thrust.  It should not require much effort at all.  If you checked with the gear, before installing the chain, then it is definitely good.


Lawrenceville, GA

The cam end play was perfect without the chain installed.  I could move it forward and back with my hands. The roller timing chain seemed like a fairly delicate piece of hardware, especially around the edges.  I guess I could have forced it, but I didn't want to chance it. I put a lot of assembly lube on the parts as well. It could have taken up some of the play.

Make sure if you have to pry the gears and chain off, that you do not pry against the pins in the chain.  That will destroy the chain integrity, and a link will fall off.  Ask me how I found out?

 

 

This was in my oil pan after the tear down from EMC.  Luckily it was found to be missing when the cam was retarded back to 101*, and a new chain was installed.  The link was MIA, but all is good now, since I found it.  Joe-JDC

JDC

Yikes! 

The Rollmaster gears are tough to get behind with something to pry with.   I'm happy with the test fit I made before installing the chain. All turns freely now and the chain does not make any unwanted noises.

Is it possible to install the Rollmaster cam bear backwards? Just wondering if that is what is hitting to lock it up?

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Anything is possible. It's pretty obvious which way the Roll Master timing gear goes on the cam.  The front and back are different and I don't think the timing chain wouldn't go on straight.  There are definitely two styles of Y Block cam thrust plates and washers.  The parts in my 1955 292 motor are different than in the 1957 272.   As soon as I replaced the 292 parts with the 272 parts, the cam end play was perfect.  I prechecked the end play without any oil and the timing chain off. The cam end play is about .005",  I used Red Line assembly lube in this motor.  It's pretty thick stuff. Anyway, I am confident in what I have now.  My blast cabinet gave up the ghost for some reason.  As soon as I fix it I'll finish the motor and put it back in the car.  This whole project started out as a light cleanup of the engine compartment.  It's ending with a complete mechanical rebuild from fan to drive shaft.