need help... camshaft moves about 1/4"

[hz]

OMC 3.8L 229cid V6 in a 1983 Seaswirl 19'.

The problem is that the camshaft moves about 1/4". We've taken the engine down to the camshaft and find that it seems that there should be some kind of wear plate or thrust plate between the end of the shaft which protrudes, and the timing gear. Looked at a parts breakdown for the OMC and it does not show one. What else would allow a cam shaft to move like this? Any other ideas on how to fix this or what wear plate would work?

Harris

 

[Bondo]

Re: need help... camshaft moves about 1/4"

The old flat tappet cams don't have Thrust washers or torrington bearings,......
The cam lobes are cut on the slightest Angle to keep the cam in it's proper position..........
And unfortunately,.......
I don't have the end-play thrust allowance for a 3.8l.......

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: need help... camshaft moves about 1/4"

Like Bond-o said, the cut of the camshaft lobe keeps the cam in the block.