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| | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 | The cam gear and crank gear need to line up closely. Make sure the crank gear is seated and than line up the cam gear. A little play in the cam is ok. And if you are using an aluminum gear, make sure you heat the gear to expand it a little. Forcing the cam on can peel aluminum away, thus it won't fit properly. You can also cool the cam.
Drew
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 872 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 872 | Installing the cam gear is not a problem.
The problem is the spacer. Do I need it?
It seems that there was a time when it was not used?
My motor is a 58/59 235.. the manual says to install one. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | All 235's used and need the spacer. It holds the cam in place and sets the correct alignment of the two gears.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 872 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 872 | So what is the difference in the thrust plates? Jim Carter lists a thrust plate for the Chevy, but its only one part "Camshaft Thrust Plate Chevrolet 1937-1962". Right next to it they list a GMC part, with the thrust plate and the spacer "Cameshaft Thrust Plate GMC 1939-1959". Going by what I had on the motor, I got the one piece chevy part. So I need the part they list as 'GMC'? Do local auto parts have this? I'm gonna get nailed $10 to ship a $12 part  | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,847 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,847 | Napa has them. As well as the spacer.
Last edited by brokenhead; 05/19/2013 5:15 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | On 235's there is a spacer that keeps the gear from being pushed on to far. In affect it sets the clearance between the gear, thrust plate and cam.
The spacer is not essential but it makes it easier to assemble. The earlier Chev's did not use the spacer, you just used a feeler gauge to set the thrust plate clearance when pressing the gear on.
If you want to use a spacer and can't find one PM me.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 872 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 872 | If I can get one from NAPA I'll use it, otherwise, if I understand this installation correctly just use the thrust plate, and set the thrust plate to camshaft freeplay to .005 by moving the gear on the shaft.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | By Jove I think you got it!
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 872 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 872 | The old spacer was still on the old camshaft.... the woodruff key kept it in place.
When I mic'd the thrust plate, it was .081, the spacer ring was .095... but the timing gear had a bevel... so the resulting clearance was .002.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 |
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | |
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