Hitchcocks Forum

Hello all. I'm a bit confused about reinstalling my '59 Connie Camshafts. When I took it all apart there were no shims or thrust washers (but some evidence of fozzy-bronze swarf). Our host's online parts book suggests there should be both shims & thrusts, but the diagram doesn't make it clear what goes where.
Do I need them, and what goes where please!
Many thanks, Stephen

Stephen. I have not rebuilt my engine in several decades so I had to do some digging into my old notes and information to find a correct answer. First, there should be 0.001" to 0.003" end float on the camshafts. The thrust washers/shims go under the cam sprockets to reduce camshaft end float to specifications. You can also reduce camshaft end float by machining off the inside face of the cam bush housing(s), which a previous owner may have done to your engine thus negating the need for shims. I believe the thrust washers are necessary in any event. Regards. Tom

As Tom says. I aim for about 5 thou float max, the shims supplied by our Hosts are very flimsy and if you have a lot of float you'll need to pack too many shims to be practical. There is an answer, you can buy a pack of mixed shims intended for the front wheel bearings of MGB cars from Rimmer Brothers (Google them,) which are cheap, come in sizes from 30 to 2 thou and are much wider and therefore stronger than the originals. The bore size is correct by the way. I've used these on several engines now with no problems. Machining off the cam covers can only ADD clearance which I've never found to be a problem!
REgards, Mark

Thanks for replies chaps. In the meantime, I've found two plain washers which were in the position you say. They measure 1.2 and 1.4mm thick. Installing with these, I still have around 50 thou end float. Are these shims or thrust washers? I'll probably go with Mark's MGB suggestion, depending on what you say about these. Thanks again. S

They sound a bit thin to be thrust washers, the actual washers should be same thickness (about 1/8" from memory,) and have an obviously ground surface. I'd get some new ones to be sure!
REgards, Mark

Camshaft clearance on the left side (not the drive side) is determined by the position of the bushing that resides inside the 'bearing housing' as Enfield calls it. Machining the inside face (the surface the gasket sits on) of this housing will move the camshaft to the right (toward the drive side)thus reducing side clearance when the housing is re-installed. Conversely, adding gaskets to the housing will increase clearance. In my misbegotten youth I was under the delusion that I could make 'big' money as a motorcycle mechanic and performed this procedure several if not many times. Even then the available shims seemed flimsy and this was/is a relatively easy way to reduce larger than normal clearances. Regards. Tom

Interesting explanation, thanks. Up to now all the Twin engines I have worked on are either Meteors, Super Meteors or late Mk1 Interceptors none of which have the removable bushing hence the necessity for camshaft shims. However I have a 1959 Connie on the bench at the moment with a supposedly rebuilt engine so we will see!
REgards, Mark