Camshaft end play, thrust plate questions

[MagnumBarracuda]

I'm installing a hydraulic roller Howard cam in my 408. It is a 5.9 magnum block. I understand that the thrust plate is the only thing controlling end play? Does the plug in the rear of the block need to be set somehow? Do i need shims? Or do i simply reassemble? Thanks

 

[toolmanmike]

Put the cam gear on and measure again. The thrust plate controls forward motion and the cam gear controls the rearward motion. The play in between makes the cam "float" and the crank gear and chain keeps it in the middle so to speak.

 

[Professor Fate]

Just reassemble. Thrust plate/cam gear controls fore & aft movement.

 

[yellow rose]

Just reassemble. Thrust plate/cam gear controls fore & aft movement.

And if with it all together you have too much end play, you need to machine the difference off the cam gear.

So if you have .025 and you want .005 you need to machine .020 off the gear.

 

[krazykuda]

I'm installing a hydraulic roller Howard cam in my 408. It is a 5.9 magnum block. I understand that the thrust plate is the only thing controlling end play? Does the plug in the rear of the block need to be set somehow? Do i need shims? Or do i simply reassemble? Thanks

Read through this thread to see how to set the rear cam "cup plug" in place...

How to Rebuild a Small Block Part 3: Install Water Jacket and Oil Galley Plugs