9550

im getting ready to install my new comp cam
i purchased a new for timing set from ford motorosport
timing kit came with a pin for the end of the cam to go into the cam sprocket.
the comp cam came with two pins as well (different lengths, same width)

the new ford pin (and the old one), and one of the comp cam pins are about the same length so i will use one of them
however, the new ford pin does not fit into the hole in the comp cam. it is just wide enough to not fit. if it was any less wide, it would fit. thats how close it is.
the comp cam pin fits nice and snug of course.
ok, so thats easy, use the comp cam pin.
but, when i test fit the sprocket onto the cam and pin, there is a very very very very tiny amount of wiggle if i try to rotate the sprocket with my hand. i cant measure it but lets say its like .01 inches. might be less than that. its just enough that it can be noticed. if the new pin was any wider, there would be no movement i think. if i do the same thing with my old cam and the new sprocket and use the ford pin, there is no noticeable wiggle room.

so, is this tiny bit of play a concern or can i go ahead an install this cam finally?
thanks in advance

Duncan_GT

Run it. If its still a big concern, you can put a little loctite around the pin. It will fill up any tiny gaps. Althought i dont think its a big concern

9550

thanks
theres no concern about shearing the pin off perhaps?

Duncan_GT

No. Its spinning the camshaft, which isnt as heavy as the crankshaft, etc. It will be fine

9550

ok thanks again

dawson1112

Yep go with it, that pin is only there to get the correct indexing of the sprocket and to stop it from spinning freely on the cam. When you install it take out the extra space by holding it tight against the pin in the direction the cam would spin then torque to spec.

And fyi, the longer pin that came with the comp cam iirc is for optional geared timing set. I had to use a longer pin when I did my 95 carbed 302 because I put the geared timing in it.

tinman

Just lock tite the pin and be done with it.
I do this on all SBF engines that I've ever built....