Something that can bite you in the ***

[Meep-Meep]

Today I was working on my 426 wedge for my 69 RR and came across this little issue that I thought I should throw out there. While I was installing cam bearings and checking the cam fit I noticed an interference with the timing chain sprocket while turning the cam. Closer inspection revealed that the cast letters in the Cloyes sprocket were protruding enough to scrape on the flared out part of the cam thrust pad on the block. The only reason I caught this was because I was turning the cam by hand with the sprocket installed and felt a bump, but if I was doing a cam change in the car this could have very well gone unnoticed! In my experience only the early blocks have this type of cam thrust area and on a later big block none of this would matter because the pad is round. The solution was to just grind the letters off with a die grinder.

 

[detmatt1]

Thanks Meep, I'll remember that.

 

[Revhendo]

Wow, I don't think I ever would've caught something like that. Thanks Meep.
It just goes to show that no matter how much you do something, you can always learn.
And of course, there's always something out there that will bite you in the bum.

 

[1962savoy]

will that gear only go one one way?? what about the other side?
just askin!