camshaft /crankshaft gear--backlash???

[jetrod]

Just checked the backlash on the camshaft/crankshaft gears--measures .009. the books suggest .002 to.005. How much is too much??? At what point does the "clatter" start? Thanks for any help. JR

[George Miller]

Originally Posted by jetrod

just checked the backlash on the camshaft/crankshaft gears--measures .009. The books suggest .002 to.005. How much is too much??? At what point does the "clatter" start? Thanks for any help. Jr

.005

[Tom Wesenberg]

I would think you'll be OK. My engine had much more than that and didn't clatter or leak too much oil.

My mistake, I was thinking of crankshaft end play.

[Patrick L.]

Anything beyond .010" can start to become noisy.

[Kohnke Rebabbitting]

Slop in your valve train does nothing good for your timing.

The more the gears are wore, the faster they will wear.

See if you can get a .005, or at least a .003 thousandths over size cam gear.

If you had metal gears, they would be singing.

[George Miller]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by jetrod

Just checked the backlash on the camshaft/crankshaft gears--measures .009. the books suggest .002 to.005. How much is too much??? At what point does the "clatter" start? Thanks for any help. JR

You need to check backlash in 4 places every 1/4 turn of the cam gear. The chances of it being .009 in 4 places is slim. It could be .009 .010 011 012. or it could be .009 .008 .007 .006 or some where in between.
It all depends on the run out of the crank, which a lot of grinders do not seem to check now days. The run out of the cam, run out of both gears. They all are not going to be perfect.
In my opinion .005 is getting to much backlash.