Cam End Play: What's Acceptable?
#1
Melting Slicks
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Location: Ft. Walton Beach, Fl USA
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Cam End Play: What's Acceptable?
How much movement should a hydraulic flat tappet cam have fore and aft with the valvetrain removed? My old cam (the one that I'm changing) moved about 1/4" or so. A friend told me that was excessive. The machine shop guy said that's normal without the lifters, springs, rockers and pushrods installed.
#2
Le Mans Master
Re: Cam End Play: What's Acceptable? (nastee383)
I assume this is with the timing chain and cover still in place...the play is fine.. the shape of the lobes and the bottom of the lifters keeps the cam from walking around when its running.
Roller cams need to be firmly located in the block with very limited end play because they do not have the advantage that these shapes give the flat tappet cams.
Perhaps your frined is thinking roller cam. With a flat tappet cam. it just sits in there for the most part. Change your cam out - i think you are fine. It might mean excess play in a timing chain if it goes too far..but I doubt you have a problem.
Roller cams need to be firmly located in the block with very limited end play because they do not have the advantage that these shapes give the flat tappet cams.
Perhaps your frined is thinking roller cam. With a flat tappet cam. it just sits in there for the most part. Change your cam out - i think you are fine. It might mean excess play in a timing chain if it goes too far..but I doubt you have a problem.