mopar camshaft end play

Hi guys, im ***embling a 360 LA engine, and install a comp cams flat tappet hydraulic cam, my question is about end play, I have installed the rear plu cone out and hammered flat, put in the cam, and mounted the thrust plate on the front of the block, ...I can move the cam back and forth alot...like at least .125", ( I havent measured with an indicator....is this normal?, i can find anything on endplay exept with roller cams, I am ***embling from a basket case, so I dont know if maybe im missing some sort of spacer or thrust washer...I cant see anything in any book that I have, any help would be appreciated,
Thanks
Al

 

is the top timing gear on the right way? not backwards? There should be a thrust surface on the rear of the timing gear that rubs on the thrust plate.

The end play doesn't usually matter with a flat tappet cam, since the lobes are ground at an angle, and the lifter faces are convex, it pulls the cam back into the block as it runs. Roller cams have flat lobes, not tapered, so they need end play control.

it's been a few years since I got into the timing chain on my wife's dart, so I forget how they are... but the manual doesnt show anything besides the thrust plate, timing gear, eccentric, washer, and bolt

 

You're missing the cam thrust plate, 3 bolts, and an oil deflector! (Add) There is also a "shim" (last photo to right) goes on the nose of the cam. This measures .161" and the plate in the photo below measures .157", this sets the end play at about .003"/.004". This all keeps the lifters in the correct position on the lobes!

Can't put the cam in these SB (LA) Mopar's without these pieces!!

(Add) If you don't have the oil deflector just put in a 4th bolt. Will be fine!

(Add 2) Word of caution, the rear cam plug is a "special" one also, see below! Looking at it from the rear you can see the "lip" goes out. Gets installed just as it is in the photo!

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. Here's a shot of all the parts!

 

1/8" of endplay is fine

it wont go further than allowed by the front plate, youll be ok

 

I have the thrust plate and deflector, and the cam plug is correct....but i dont have the spacer....Thanks for all you help
Al

 

Hi Al, glad you figured it out, that spacer is probably still stuck on the old cam.

It cannot be removed unless the key is taken out of the cam first! And they "stick" fairly tight to the cam. Almost look as an integrated piece!

I purchased a bunch of the thrust plates fairly recently, the spacers are most likely still available also, not sure!

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. As I stated above, you need the correct parts to get the required end play on the cam. Pontiacs/Fords run the same setup as well as some of the newer SB/BB Chevs!