It is my understanding that the cam shaft is held in place by the timing chain and dist. gear. Is this correct? If so, is there any problem with interference of the arm on the fuel pump with a double roller chain? Thanks, Randy
Randy, I suppose the cam is held in by the gears and chain. It can't really go anywhere with the timing cover in place. Some guys add a cam bumper to the cover to limit cam movement. As far as the fuel pump is concerned, yes the arm may contact a double roller chain. The easiest solution is to elongate the fuel pump mounting holes with a rat tail file, and move the pump foward 1/16". That will provide enough clearance.
Anopther technique involves mending the pump arm. Here's a link to the article: http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/Buick455FuelPumpArmModification.htm
I am pretty sure that the top of the cam lobes are not square to the cam center line. They have a little slope to them to spin the lifters and this also pushes the cam towards the back of the motor. I know Chevy cams are like this so I assume Buick cams are the same way. Tom
Correct, this is called "taper". The taper on all 16 is such that on a BBB that it forces the cam into the block. The thrust surface on the back side gear mounting flange, rides on a corresponding thrust surface on the front face of the block, and gets lubed by splash.
And this is also why roller cams are NOT held in place - they need a little extra help since the lobes have no taper.
