Cam rubbing on inside of timing cover?

[jawn101]

We just pulled out #2100's engine today to do some cleanup, transmission work and new seals. When we pulled off the timing cover, we noticed that it looks like the cam on the passenger side appears to be rubbing on the inside of the cover, near the small brass plug. We are replacing the original cork/paper/whatever gasket with Right Stuff, so the cover will be even a little closer to the cams now. The cam doesn't appear to be worn (steel) but the cover does have a little wear mark on it.

Is this normal? I expect not... what should we do?

[DMCMW Dave]

Is this normal? I expect not... what should we do?


Make sure the keeper (thrust plate - #54 on the pic) is there and not loose.

http://store.delorean.com/c-330-1-1-5-cylinder-headvalvetrain.aspx

If you do have a clearance issue I don't think eliminating the gasket is necessarily a good idea.

[jawn101]

After further inspection this looks like an old injury that was long ago corrected. No signs of wear on the cam end, but the timing cover had clearly been removed at some point in the car's life. The thrust plate is solidly in place and the cam doesn't move at all. We mocked the assembly up metal to metal with no gasket or gasket maker in place and removed the brass plug, then probed around under the cover - there's no way the cam is touching that cover.

Thanks for the tips as always Dave