Camshaft endplay

Discuss all things Model T related.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules

Topic author
Dave1
Posts: 83
Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2019 12:01 pm
First Name: Dave
Last Name: Eddie
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Tudor, 1926 Touring, 1931 Plymouth PA, 1952 Hudson Hornet
Location: Lillooet BC. Canada

Camshaft endplay

Post by Dave1 » Mon Feb 24, 2025 1:48 pm

Installing a new 280 camshaft into a 26 engine.
Apparently someone had installed an earlier cam ( pre 24 style) as it has the longer front bearing,…. Not a huge issue as I can cut the bearing to the required length on my lathe.
This engine engine was rebuilt recently, so I am going to try and re use the bearings. The location pins for the bearing are really sloppy in the holes in the bearings, so I will build them up and resize them.
Question,…. Does the thrust surface on the camshaft ride on the front of the engine block, or the front of the cam bearing?
I pose this question because on this engine the front cam bearing, when installed is about .010” behind the front the block,

Dave

User avatar

Mark Gregush
Posts: 5370
Joined: Sat Jan 05, 2019 1:57 pm
First Name: Mark
Last Name: Gregush
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1925 cutdown PU, 1948 F2 Ford flat head 6 pickup 3 speed
Location: Portland Or
Board Member Since: 1999

Re: Camshaft endplay

Post by Mark Gregush » Mon Feb 24, 2025 3:01 pm

RE the building up of the hole: Depending on how you do that, heat can melt the thin coating of babbitt and at minimum you may need to ream the bearing when done.
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas! :shock:

1925 Cut down pickup
1948 Ford F2 pickup


Topic author
Dave1
Posts: 83
Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2019 12:01 pm
First Name: Dave
Last Name: Eddie
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Tudor, 1926 Touring, 1931 Plymouth PA, 1952 Hudson Hornet
Location: Lillooet BC. Canada

Re: Camshaft endplay

Post by Dave1 » Mon Feb 24, 2025 3:06 pm

I will build up the OD of the anchor pin, then machine it to fit the hole in the bearing.


Dan McEachern
Posts: 1400
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:08 am
First Name: DAN
Last Name: MCEACHERN
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: too many. '14 touring, 2 depot hacks, 2 speedsters
Location: ALAMEDA,CA,USA

Re: Camshaft endplay

Post by Dan McEachern » Mon Feb 24, 2025 3:16 pm

The front thrust surface is the face of the bearing, not the block. The bearing face should protrude from the block face If that is not the case, then I suggest you get a different front bearing.


Topic author
Dave1
Posts: 83
Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2019 12:01 pm
First Name: Dave
Last Name: Eddie
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Tudor, 1926 Touring, 1931 Plymouth PA, 1952 Hudson Hornet
Location: Lillooet BC. Canada

Re: Camshaft endplay

Post by Dave1 » Mon Feb 24, 2025 4:22 pm

Got it, thanks

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic