WELL my brother cut the dowel on the cam too short. and now it doesnt reach the cam sprocket. i cannot get a grip on the dowel with plyers to pull her out. i am wondering if the dowel is needed??? does it really have to reach the cam sprocket or will the 3 screws hold down the sprocket. please let me know whats up thanx guys

 

It like any dowel is just for a reference. I don't see any reason why bolting the sprocket on won't work.

 

should be fine once you line the 3 bolts up correctly. its there so you know which way the cam goes correctly so the dots on the timing chain line up properly. just make sure you see the dowel through the dowel pin hole to make sure its in the correct position.