Excessive CAMSHAFT end-float

[JASL]

I am completing a TV8 engine rebuild that Keith Stevenson (RIP) started during summer 2019. I have completed the reassembly work of the engine and re-installed the power and transmission units (WHAT A JOB !). During initial engine runs (it started second turn of key - obviously thanks to Keith) I noticed that the R/H (odd numbered cylinders) camshaft sprocket was oscillating fore and aft by more than I thought it should. A couple of mm in all. The cams are original and the sprockets from Paddocks. I know the Sprockets are seated well on the Cams, and locked in place with new plates. Should I be worried by this amount of oscillation, or do I replace the Sprocket and lock plate ? Are there any other ways to stop this movement - I am not aware of any engines with thrust washers on the cams. I do know that Keith modified the jack-shaft keeper plate to remove end-float on the jack-shaft (at least he told me he was going to) but surely the jack-shaft would/could only really affect the even cylinder's camshaft sprocket.
Any relevant knowledge most welcome.
Stay Safe all of you, and here's hoping we can all meet up at Silverstone before too long.
Regards
Alan Laver (28391)

[jbuckl]

The camshaft end float is controlled by the front cap faces. I can supply a thickness if you need it. IMHO the sprockets need to be measured to determine if it’s float or runout then attended to. The jack shaft end float isn’t that easy to check once the front cover is on....sorry to state the B.O. atb.

[mjheathcote]

Is the whole sprocket moving forward and back or more the outer teeth oscillating, which could indicate the sprocket is not seated correctly squarely when secured to the camshaft.
Never heard of any camshaft end float issues before.

[Peter]

Alan, If you can see the oscillation as the engine turns it’s more likely to be the gear rather than the cam moving. Try a dial test indicator on the sprocket and perhaps a finger (no room for DTI) on the non-sprocket end of the can. Is the cam really moving or is it the sprocket run-out? Cams are normally held tightly by caps and have minimal end float. Sprocket may not be seared properly or could be distorted.

Peter

[Lingen]

Alan.
I came across the same thing once. The sprocket wasn't distorted (try bending it!), but it had been carelessly fitted to the camshaft, having badly scraped the dowel.This had left a sliver of metal between the faces of the camshaft and sprocket, keeping them from fitting together properly, which resulted in an oscillating sprocket.
Check to see if they fit together properly all the way round.
Mike.

[jbuckl]

Mikes reply Sounds like a more likely scenario tbh.

[JASL]

Many thanks you guys for the sound advice. I will remove the cam cover and lock the camshaft in place before disconnecting sprocket to investigate by check the dowel. I have spare lock-plates and I can chase an elusive oil leak at the same time !> Stay Safe. Regards Alan