9550

are these holes in the end of the cam for anything other than holding the cam during manufacture?
i ask because when i was taking the cam out, i tried to put it back in, just to see how difficult it was going to be later and to see if i could do it. so, the cam would go back in only so far, but if i spun it a little, it would go in farther. i do not believe it had anything to do with it just needing to clear the last journal/bearing whatever because the other end (end closest to thrust plate) was inside the opening already. it was at the position where it was supposed to be normally i think (flush against the thrust plate, if the plate was on). so anyway, i, not having a clue what i was doing, wasnt sure how far in it should go, so i am curious and experimented. i am just wondering if is a pin or two at the back of the block that go into one or more of these holes in the end of the cam.
i may have a video of what i am talking about somewhere. if i find it i will post it, but for now, if anybody can figure out what i am talking about, please tell me whats going on. the distance i could move it was fairly significant i think, maybe .5", so im worried. it appears that once i put the cam in, put the thrust plate on, and put the sprocket on, the sprocket bolt will pull the cam up against the thrust plate so this is all moot anyway. is that correct, or am i misremembering something?
thanks!

dawson1112

You should get a detailed instruction sheet with your new cam when it comes , You need to read carefully and fully understand what your are doing before attempting to install the cam . Try this link to edelbrock to get an idea on what all is involved with installing a hydraulic roller cam. This will cover end play as well.



http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0oG7.../3000/3722.pdf

Here is a video of one being installed.

9550

thanks dawson
i had watched that video earlier today
i watched a bunch of videos actually. that one was probably the best though.

tinman

Pin has to go into one of those holes........

dawson1112

That picture is the back side of the cam , those 2 holes are only there to ensure that when its placed into the various machines during the manufacturing it is indexed exactly the same each time.

9550

thanks
thats what i wanted to hear

9550

heres a quick video of what i was talking about with the cam play
look normal?
(have to click, i dont know why we can post vids directly)

Duncan_GT

I can't get your link to work on my phone. Are you talking about the cam end play?

9550

i think so.
the thrust plate is off obviously, but it looks like there would still be movement even if it was on
when i get the new cam in i will know for sure, but if there is too much movement, i have no idea how to resolve it.
im guessing that when i put it in and tighten the bolt that connects the sprocket to the cam, it pulls the cam into place and holds it there?

dawson1112

You cant check end play until you install the thrust plate and cam sprocket.

The end play is the just the difference between the shoulder of the sprocket and the thrust plate. I believe ford calls for between .002 and .009 You will have greater end play if the thrust plate is worn down to much. You can check the wear on the thrust plate with a mic.

For example .020 of wear would give you an end play reading of some where between .022 and .029. That would require a new thrust plate.

You need a little end play so that the cam is not drawn to tight against the thrust plate.