[chiphead]

Spent the last couple of nights pulling the front cover off to get at the timing chain assembly.

The fuel pump eccentric was in place, but high miles and worn. It will be replaced. The cam timing gear bolt was tight, and the retaining plate bolts were tight. I loosened all the rockers to check the endplay before I loosened any of the cam bolts. Not much endplay, hmmmm, the clue phone is ringing.....

Looks like I've got insufficient camshaft endplay. There is a groove worn into the factory retaining plate. I re-used this plate when I slapped the cam in there, but I know I wouldn't have reused a plate with that much wear. The front of the cam shows some metal transfer from the plate. The snout on the cam gear measures .126-.127" and the plate is about .123-.125" depending on how you measure it. So I'm guessing it was on the tight side of spec? What is allowable camshaft endplay?

I'm not saying this is is THE problem, but it's for sure A problem. Can I clean up the cam snout with 400 grit?

I've got new plate, eccentric and bolts coming from Butler. What else do I need to check while I'm in there?