When do blocks get damaged from the cam gear set? What do you watch for? What part of the set hits the block?

 

When? Good question. I guess an abused engine or really really old high mileage block might have damage there. I've never seen one like that before, and I've seen my fair share of engines. The back of the timing gear just where it fits around the cam is where it touches the block.

 

I've seen that roller cam blocks can have problems with double roller sets. I just put a gear set on one and I am wondering where the problem is. Everything looks the same as the factory set at this point.

 

Is the cam retainer plate installed correctly?

 

I put it back the way I found it. I don't see anything even close to touching except the back of the gear against the retainer.

 

Ok, Im trying to guess what the issue is here... You just got a new double roller set and it doesnt fit right? I'd make sure its the correct set, and that its clearing the bolts that hold the cam retainer plate in place. The cam gear for the roller cam is definitely shaped different on the back side to clear the plate, bolts, and block.

 

No, they are all the correct parts. I am trying to avoid a problem if there is one that I am not seeing. I would like to know what others are talking about when they say block damage will occur, use a torrington bearing and so on. I have it put together and would like to put the cover on and continue on. I just don't want to close it up thinking it is all good to go and it really is not.

 

Oh...
Well, I cant see why there would be any problem. Theres probably countless numbers of people here who have used double rollers on a factory setup and had no problems. Keep in mind that Ford has been using a cam retainer plate on the 260-289-302-351 engines since 1963 or so, and those dont have problems with damage. Almost all the GT's came with a double roller right out the factory door. My friend's 89 has nearing 400,000 miles on the stock timing chain... LOL! I guess he really doesnt care if it breaks or not. Never seen any block damage though.