EngineBuilding
Timing Cover fitment issue
I have tried two timing covers for the small block that I’m building and neither fit. The second one I bought, I thought had a provision for the cam button but the provision has reinforcement welded in and the timing cover is not getting close to being seated. Am I just buying the wrong timing cover for the cam button or should I attempt to remove the bracing that is welded in? Does my cam button look too far out?
Discussion
Cam buttons are adjustable. You grind off what you need to obtain desired clearance
This seems like a lot to grind off. Especially for one of the aluminum ones, I thought the spring was to take up some of that adjustability for this reason?
Ok, then don’t clearance it….
No, I’m just saying I didn’t know that was common with that style. Thought it was what the nylon buttons were for.
You have what appears to be a roller thrust bearing.
No roller thrust bearing for this sbc.
I suggest one.
I've also installed, literally, a hundred or more double rollers and have NEVER had one hold the cover off.
You've got issues.
Edit:
Is the cam roller or flat?
This is why!
I prefer the nylon ones myself
Why, to self clearance??? 😆
Is this the Summit Billet double roller? I just mocked up the same one on my SBF build. I haven't torqued anything and was just playing with fitting some pieces together. The same thing is happening to me so far. This thing is a bigger piece than my last double roller. It even makes me send my cam retaining plate (SBF thing) to the machine shop to have the bolts recessed via an 82 degree counter-sink to buy extra room. I have a feeling I might be in the same boat as you are soon.
Summit is ordering from Temu. It doesn't take a schedule 40 chain.
Tank tread for chain!
It sure is.
What garbage are you using?!?!? You've got other problems if you can't fit a double roller behind the timing cover.
Stamped covers suck anyway
Get you a cast aluminum for less flexing
That was the first one I bought, still have it and plan to probably just use a nylon button and shave it down and then use that cover.
Machine the button to fit dildo, jk. You bought the roller when the delrin/nylon would do. You haven't mentioned measuring your cam end play. You should ask how that's done, or better yet watch a tutorial.
If you machine it you can fit it. Little things like this are what you pay for when someone builds it for you. I'm not busting your balls. I just want everyone to realize what you pay us for. So thank you for the example.
WHY do people think engine building is like building with Legos?
No, I totally get it and agree with you, engine building is certainly a skill. This is something I’ve wanted to do for decades and never thought I’d have the capability to do because of the cost and I have to at least try. I certainly don’t know what I don’t know and it’s been a lot of fun learning how many little things go into building an engine. I went ahead and bought a nylon cam button to replace it since it will be easier to modify. When I measured end play it was .005.
Sorry I meant for the button. You know with the cover on....how much between the cam button and front cover?
Oh that I did not do yet.
Ok great. Where did you measure this?
you have to grind the roller button to set your cam thrust
You have an innie cover, you need an outie.
Thrust buttons are avaliable in long and short as well, roller and bronze.
You just have a parts mismatch.
That’s kind of what I was thinking was my issue. This is a 0.795 cam button. Would it probably be best to buy a shorter cam bearing or a different cover. I thought the provision in the center was to allow for that cam button.
Roller cam or flat tappet?
Roller cam.
Ok. I find this interesting. Again I've installed a hundred or more double rollers that resided comfortably behind a stock cover. I've done countless roller conversions with double rollers and had to dent the cover to set the backlash.
Yeah, it’s a retro roller cam and lifter set up. I think I just bought a button and cover that aren’t compatible because I’m an ignorant dumbass trying to figure this out as I go.
No dude, you're just ignorant, and that's ok. The dumbass part is yet to be seen.
Haha, give me time.
Hell yeah. I’m in that same boat not knowing which fucking way to paddle either sometimes.
Each step presents a new problem.
Wait for it???
Wait for it....
It is there for that, but the shorty.
I like using the old style (long) covers and the length cam button you have.
But the Edelbrock one looks nice and if you are stuck with it swap put to a short button that fine, potato potatoe. Both work fine once set up.
Do you happen to have a preference or part number on one of those covers?
I had to Google it lol, I keep of stack of used GM thick stamped ones, it seems every one has gone to the innie (80s) cover as the base stamping.
It's easy to see the difference once you've seen the 2 options:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-208/make/chevrolet
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ctr-21-900/make/chevrolet
Thank you!
🤣👍👆