Excessive camshaft endplay

[86T-Top]

So I just went to install my trickflow stage 1 cam, and I think I have excessive endplay in the cam. When I bolt the cam thrust plate to the block, I am able to slude the cam in or out about a 1/4". Now I installed this cam into a used engine that I bought with 70K miles on it. Also I used a cam thrust plate from my 1968 289 motor, but the motor that this cam went into is from a 1992 mustang.

So what do I do? Am I using the wrong thrust plate? Did I forget to install something? What sets the backlash on the cam, is it the plug in the back of the block? If so, can I press that plug further in? Or is this normal, and the cam sprocket and timing chain keep everything tight (I don't think it does)?

Thanks,

Mario

 

[Mike86Stang]

The timing chain & the cam itself sandwich the thrust plate. If there is too much play then you may want to buy a new thrust plate.

So far though sounds like your checking end play without the timing gear on. If the timing gear isn't on it will move quite dramatically.