Endplay clearance on Roller Cam?

[getchasum]

Just wondering how much endplay clearance you guys are running on your billet rollers? I was between .004/.005 with plastic gauge with Felpro thick blue gasket installed. I torque the front cover down with only 5 bolts. Now that I have it assembled, I’m starting to second guess my clearances. I have 3 shims in at .005 each, do you guys think I should to pull one out?

 

[Turbo38V6]

Do you have a dial indicator to measure the endplay??

 

[getchasum]

Yes, but due to it being on an engine stand, I couldn't get at the rear cam plug.

Now that it basicly assembled there's no way to check, other than tearing it back down.

I feel good w/ the endplay I had, just wondering if I should have torque with all bolts instead of 5, wonder if that would have compressed the gasket more.

 

[getchasum]

I talked to Mark at Webber today, he told me that I would not see the clearance after valve train was assembled.

 

[getchasum]

opinions?

 

[Lee Thompson]

reply

You have .004-.005 with .005 shims and you are thinking about pulling 1 shim.
That will put you @ .000 end play. What is going to happen when the cam gets hot? IMO .005 end play is perfect. I try to get .007, but will gladly settle for .005.

 

[getchasum]

You have .004-.005 with .005 shims and you are thinking about pulling 1 shim.
That will put you @ .000 end play. What is going to happen when the cam gets hot? IMO .005 end play is perfect. I try to get .007, but will gladly settle for .005.

Lee, I’m not all that familiar with the didn’t kinds of retaining systems. I have Webber’s systems installed on an ATR Kit, due to problems w/ the bronze thrust washer. It was converted to use a positive stop style jam nut that has a roller bearing and Torrington bearing against the block. To pull a shim would open my clearances and place me around .009 to .010 That lg of a clearance is what I was questioning, just wondering if that’s to much?

 

[Ormand]

If you pull the intake, you can measure the clearance with a dial indicator. You have to run the pointer down through one of the holes in the valley, and get it on the side of a cam lobe. Then you can move the cam back and forth with screwdrivers through other holes, and see what the end play is.

 

[Lee Thompson]

My Bad

Your right, pulling one would open up the clearance. I also have the torrington bearing against the block. What I have found is if you measure clearance with a new gasket, then let it sit over night if CAN tighten up by .001--.002 .
Do this---remove rocker shafts and a couple lifter sets. Reach in with a LARGE flat screwdriver and firmly pry on a lobe with you index finger on another lobe. If you can feel ANY movement, IMO it is ok. I did this once when I was in doubt. Sorry about the confusion.