That clearance is fine. When you get the cam cover back on and snug (not tightened down) Make sure you can slide the cam in and out with some resistance, that is, it should not freely flop back and forth.

All the Crane gears I ever had hands on were a medium red or large blue size, so if your old cam wasn't whining or clacking, you should be OK with the Andrews gear, but check that just for piece of mind.

 

I snugged up the bolts and its now at about .024. Still not able to move it in and out.

 

New seal will add some resistance. Did you try prying with a big screwdriver thru the tappet guide hole? If it's really tight, it may whine a bit. That is, if you can't move it, no way to check the end clearance, ya know?

 

I tried prying with a big screwdriver and putting the timing cap bolt on the end and using needle nose pliers to see if it would move. Still nothing.

 

Something doesn't seem right.. for ***** and giggles put the old cam and shims back in and check for movement and clearance.. I agree with t150, how can you properly check end play if you can't move it.. You should be able to move it with just the timing rotor screw..

 

Stick the old cam in and try it. If it moves with or without persuasion, you might want to consider having the gear off the old one switched to the new one. The Crane has a small woodruff key, but if you know how to do it, It's not a problem. Be a shame to have a whining gear after all you've done... The only other option would be buy a new pinion gear and they're expensive plus the aftermarket ones aren't sized very well. (out of round)

Hotrod pulled the trigger quicker than I could type

 

that’s what I’m thinking. I’m also wondering if the OEM gear was pressed onto the Crane cam, all the pictures are showing one ring or even no ring and mine has two like the stock cam. Unfortunately I won’t be able to investigate until I get back from the in-laws on Monday.

In the meantime, I want to thank everyone that has been offering their wisdom to this moron. This is my first dive into any motor and I really appreciate the guidance.

 

Got home earlier than I anticipate. So I reassembled the original cam and spacer, and was able to get the cam to move and just snugging the cover bolts gave me a .016 play. Reassembled with the andrews cam and couldn't get the cam to budge. Busted out the calipers and measured the cams and the andrews is .001 larger than the Crane. I'm thinking this might be the culprit.

 

You need to use gauge pins to accurately measure cam gears.

 

Glassbead the old gear while it's on the old cam to clean it up, carefully mark the slot, press off and on to the new cam.

And if it were mine, set up the degree wheel and make sure it's right, but most people never do.