The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 261 cam thrust plate

Hey Guys,

1959 261. Is there a gasket that fits b/t the cam thrust plate and the block, and if so does it have to be slid into place with the thrust plate b/f the cam gear is pressed on the shaft? My gasket kit from Patrick's list a cam thrust plate gasket and the suspected gasket won't slide over the front two journals of the cam, which leads me to believe that the gasket, if required, goes on with the thrust plate b/f the cam gear. My machine shop wasn't sure about the answer to this one, he suspected that the thrust plate might mount straight to the block w/o said gasket. Any help?!?

I can find no specific mention of a gasket for a Chevrolet engine in either the 1958 shop manual or the Motors manual for 55-62 261s. The GMC shop manual for 47-54 does specifically call for the gasket and the cam slips through it after the gear and thrust plate are assembled.

Cletis,

Thanks for the info. Where did you get the engine manual from? I am currently installing the crankshaft and have a bit of a question about the main bearings and their positions. Is it possible that the engine gasket set just has some additional gaskets that may or may not be used depending upon year model and application?

If you are refering to the Motors manual, Motors is the brand name. There were Motors Auto Repair Manuals and Truck repair manuals. They cover most makes. You can usually find them at swap meets. I got my truck manual on Ebay. It is a 1966 issue and covers back to '55. They usually cover about 10 years back from the cover date.

Thanks Cletis,

I'll keep an eye out for one of 'em. 'Motors', huh? Appreciate the help.

My Chilton service manual lists the camshaft-to-thrust plate clearance at .001" to .005". This is set as the timing gear is pressed onto the cam, with the thrust plate in place. Since the entire assembly is contained under the timing cover, I see no need for a gasket, unless there's something there that's not obvious. It might be that the gasket is used for establishing the end play, but with a pressed-on gear, I don't see how that could happen. I've used a feeler gauge blade between the thrust plate and the cam gear while pressing the assembly together to establish the correct clearance.
Jerry

On my old 216, there is a gasket. It functions to seal off the plate in such a manner that the oil runs out in a specific spot.

I don't use the gasket,3 engines no problems, but I did use a smear of Hylomar between the plate and the block.

Thanks for all the responses, as usual. Everyone seems to come out the woodwork on these questions. One day I'll have the knowledge to return the favors.
I think the situation is solved. It appears that the front end plate is responsible for forming the seal to the block and the thrust plate mounts to the end plate. This also solves that clearance issue, b/c the thickness of the end plate seems to be about the same distance that the cam was out of alignment previously. I got to looking at the Shop Manual and realized that I had yet to install the end plate and it had been set off in a corner. It's been about 1 1/2 months since I disassembled the engine for the machine shop. I am also glad that I took pictures b/f and during disassembly. That's my advice to y'all.