camshaft endplay

[MikeC31470]

I just put a new cam in 1984 5.0. I have 3/8 to 1/2 inch end play in the cam with thrust plate and timing gears/chain installed. Lifters are not installed. Is this normal? If not, how do I cure the problem. Cam is correct for the car. Comp cams x268 for hydralic non roller. thanks,Mike

 

[RangerJoe]

That is definetly way too much. I think it should be somewhere between 0.0010 to 0.0055.

 

[junkyardwarrior]

Some cam chain sets are set up for a thrust bearing. Might want to double check. And also make sure the dowel pin is correct. Could be the bolt/washer bottoming out on the dowel and not fully tightening the cam gear onto the camshaft.