Camshaft installation help

[Carlo]

Engine block is 2001 And my camshaft is a double roller from comp cams.
My original thrust plate does not fit into the comp cam. What do I need to make it work?

[Cheromaniac]

Double roller CompCam? I think you're confused. The camshaft itself is a flat tappet unit and since it's meant for '98 or earlier engines you'll need a Cloyes dual roller timing set (part no. CLO-9-3127) from Summit Racing plus the cam bolt/pin/spring (part no. 83502890) and cam bolt washer (part no. J3173284) from Hesco to make it all work.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CLO-9-3127/
http://www.hesco.us/shop.asp?action=det ... 343&catId=
http://www.hesco.us/shop.asp?action=det ... 344&catId=

[Retlaw01XJ]

the cam bolt/pin/spring (part no. 83502890) and cam bolt washer (part no. J3173284) from Hesco to make it all work.

http://www.hesco.us/shop.asp?action=det ... 343&catId=
http://www.hesco.us/shop.asp?action=det ... 344&catId=

In other words, double roller chains and non-stock camshafts don't work with the late-style blocks with the cam retainer plate.
You have to use the bolt/spring/pin setup from the earlier style blocks.
Bummer ain't it?
I'm learning a lot about the '01 I bought a few weeks ago. I'm learning a lot from you guys here. Thanks!

[Carlo]

I meant the timing chain was from comp cams. It was slightly thicker than stock. I bought it from summit racing part number cca-sk68-231-4.

[Cheromaniac]

In other words, double roller chains and non-stock camshafts don't work with the late-style blocks with the cam retainer plate.
You have to use the bolt/spring/pin setup from the earlier style blocks.

Correct on both counts. You can only use the original cam retainer plate with the stock cam and timing set.

[Carlo]

I can see how the hesco washer and bolt will prevent the camshaft from traveling inside the block. But what will prevent the camshaft from traveling forward during operation?

[SilverXJ]

There is a spring and pin that sits inside the bolt. It is suppose to prevent the cam from walking forward, but it doesn't. Replace with a larger pin and set the end play manually.

[IH 392]

That pin in the bolt is just a bandaid for a problem that doesn't exist, I don't know what the first year it was installed but I had never seen one in ANY! of the 199's, 232's or 258's I've been into?, the thrust from the distributor drive gear due to drag from the oil pump will keep the cam in a aft thrust!

[SilverXJ]

There is a problem, that is why Jeep added it.

CAMSHAFT THRUST CONTROL

Camshaft Thrust Control On
Chrysler 2.5, 4.0 & 4.2L (Jeep) Engines

AERA membership has reported a mysterious knocking noise on Chrysler 2.5, 4.0 and 4.2L engines used in various Jeep utility vehicles. The noise is loudest at the lower front area of the engine and has, on occasion, been reported in all of the above listed engines. The noise will disappear if the engine is operated at higher than idle speed.

Disassembly of the engine revealed that the camshaft gear was making contact with the timing cover. Recalling the engine's assembly, several machinists remembered encountering a bolt that had an 1/8 hole in it. Most were unsure where to install the bolt.

As of the 1991 production year, Chrysler has updated the engine to a new method of retaining the camshaft in the block. Prior model year engines were equipped with a camshaft thrust plate. This has been superseded by a special bolt, spring, plunger and front cover (see illustration). The plunger assembly maintains constant pressure on the camshaft, preventing it from moving
forward. Camshaft chucking will result if this thrust control assembly is not reinstalled. The pin rests against a small protruding pad in the front cover that is reported to be 1.000 from the gasket mounting surface.

A replacement Pin Package is available from Chrysler under the Part #83502890.

The AERA Technical Committee

[Cheromaniac]

the thrust from the distributor drive gear due to drag from the oil pump will keep the cam in a aft thrust!

It's also likely that relying on the distributor drive gear to keep the cam inside the block will accelerate wear of that drive gear (and possibly the cam gear as well). SilverXJ hit the nail on the head with his last post.

[Retlaw01XJ]

I have a '79 Buick Turbo Regal that had a strange engine knock develop....turned out to be the cam was moving forward then slapping back against the block and making the noise.... once every one or two revolutions. It was an Engle cam. Apparently Jeep isn't the only one with the problem.