Thrust washer wear

[elflamo]

Hello,

I'm rebuilding my engine and on installing the camshaft end plate & thrust washer I noticed that the washer is worn to the extend that it has a ridge that 'falls' into the end plate. Meaning: the position of the washer respective to the endplate is fixed.

I guess that is too much wear and that normally the washer rides 'on top of' the end plate and thus facilitating the camshaft being somewhat out of center respective to the end plate?

Also: I cannot seem to understand how one can torque down the cam nut and yet have the camshaft turn freely. Wouldn't you 'clamp' it to the end plate (obviously not, but I'm trying to understand how some axial play is achieved).

Many thanks

[E Sully]

These tools are used to hold the camshaft still while tightening the camshaft nut. If the camshaft is allowed to move you cannot set the cam timing properly.
Pelican Parts sells them.
The first 2 sare used on early cars, and the third one on later cars.

[elflamo]

Ed, my question is not related to literally 'how'. I have these tools, just want to understand how the mechanism of holding the camshaft in place works.

The question on the washer wear is more important to me, as ordering the new parts is holding up my rebuild....