The way the camshaft is made if the cam gear gives out and the cam gets out of time with the crank, the counter balance on the crank will hit the cam. The cam has a notch or relief in it that lets the crank counter weight go past.
Put a new cam and crank gear on. May have to remove the cam to do that. While it is out, have it checked for straightness.
I don't think you have a boat anchor there. But over the years the fiber gets old. You'll know when you pull the cam if there is any bearing tight. It should come out easily once the two bolts holding the front retaining plate are removed.
