Camshaft Chainwheel is SOOOOO tight

[jedwards]

Gentlemen,
I started my engine rebuild yesterday, and following the WorkShop's manual, the first task was to install the Camshaft into my nicely rebored 1953 block, but I was surprised at just how tight the fit was when I attempted to fit the Chainwheel, which the "book" requires to test the end float.
As the Chain wheel is keyed to the Camshaft, I had expected it to be a firm but manageable fit.
I found that it required a LOT of hammering to get it to slide on, so I feel something, may be the Cam end or the chain wheel centre, may be burred.
Is it acceptable to try to smooth these out a little with Emery Tape, so it becomes a more manageable fit?
I plan to remove the Chain wheel this morning, now that the end float is OK, and re-install when I do the timing.
Having to pounding it into place just does not seem to be right, as I am sure it will damage the Cam shaft bearings unless I can find a better way of doing it.

Any advice would greatly appreciated.
regards
Jeff

[ian4002000]

hammering it on doesn't sound good. You will need to measure the fit and see what is occuring.
It may have a burr on it or be out of round.
Pictures will help if you can post them

Ian
Bittern

[biggin]

Try heating it in a warm oven before fitting. And use a bit of lubricant. It obviously fits eventually if you’ve had it on and off again.

[jedwards]

Thanks guys. Both are good suggestions. I'll try both.
best wishes,
Jeff

[1950landy]

Are these the original cam & wheel or new replacements . If original how tight was it to get the wheel off in the 1st place , some times if the key is not sitting home properly & sitting too high in the grove in the cam. it can make it tight. If new parts you may find the cam is O/S or wheel bore is U/S , they could be made by different manufactures . You may need to take some accurate measurements of booth.

[ramblingboy42]

keyway was the word you were looking for

[1950landy]

keyway was the word you were looking for

Yes, senior moment

[goingbush]

When you say Camshaft & hammer in the one sentence ....

Brandon Cade - Today I Learned how to install a camshaft... (https://www.facebook.com/brandon.cade.779/videos/1821079991381704/'t=6)

[ramblingboy42]

yeah thats the way...

get a fbh.

[LR1953]

hammering it on doesn't sound good. You will need to measure the fit and see what is occuring.
It may have a burr on it or be out of round.
Pictures will help if you can post them

Ian
Bittern

Personally I'd be using a press rather than a hammer. Press the sprocket onto the camshaft then offer to the block for end-float.
cheers, Rob S

[Rick Fischer]

Yes the cam drive is a tight sprocket. You will find two 5/16th BSF (I think) bolt thread 180 deg apart ether side of the centre bolt, these are for extractor bolts. Screw appropriate bolts through the sprocket and tension evenly. Should remove sprocket.

Cheers

Rick F

[jedwards]

Yes the cam drive is a tight sprocket. You will find two 5/16th BSF (I think) bolt thread 180 deg apart ether side of the centre bolt, these are for extractor bolts. Screw appropriate bolts through the sprocket and tension evenly. Should remove sprocket.

Cheers

Rick F

Thanks Rick, I did eventually work that out myself, but it took me a bit of time. A seniors moment I suspect.
Thanks for the help
Jeff

[Rick Fischer]

Was half correct. I used those bolt holes to retain the end of a "Heavy" slide hammer, was same same for crank sprocket, but with claws.

Cheers

RF