Really stupid question. left vs right cam

[Pat S]

Okay,
I'll surely win the dumb question of the day award with this

In the rebuild book figure 6-5 clearly shows the left cam as having lobes that form a very wide V, while the right has a close V lob config.

However, which is the left and right side of the engine. My guess is that left/right is from the rear of the engine, there fore left is 1-2-3 and right is 4-5-6. But I want to make sure it isn't left right from the front (flywheel) side of the engine.

Thanks,
Pat

[ChrisBennet]

Yes, the 123 side is the left side.
-Chris

[Tim Walsh]

from the BA book: The wide lobed cams make a V or an L for left and the narrow lobed cam looks like rabbit ears, R for right.

[Wayne 962]

The intro to the Rebuild book goes over the nomenclature of what is considered left/right and front/back. Take a look at page 6...

-Wayne

[Mark McClure]

Just to follow on from what was titled a silly question.........what would happen if the cams were put in on the wrong sides? Valve to piston contact?

[Tim Walsh]

I belive it would try and run backwards.

[Wayne 962]

Technically yes, the engine would try to run backwards, which would tie up the chains, and would be impossible anyways, considering the distributor would be miswired...

-Wayne

[Mark McClure]

OK........silly question answered!