Cam thrust button with hydraulic lifters?

Alan Nyhus · 12-28-2013, 09:21 PM

What are the pros and cons of running a thrust button in a non-roller camshaft application? With the cam lobes having a 1.5-2 degree taper, it would seem that a thrust button wouldn't be needed.

Block is an early small block Chevy, not the later block with the cam thrust plate. Cam and crank gear are in perfect alignment (checked with the intake on and the distributor in).

Thanks! -Al

HP HUNTER · 12-28-2013, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Nyhus

What are the pros and cons of running a thrust button in a non-roller camshaft application? With the cam lobes having a 1.5-2 degree taper, it would seem that a thrust button wouldn't be needed.

Block is an early small block Chevy, not the later block with the cam thrust plate. Cam and crank gear are in perfect alignment (checked with the intake on and the distributor in).

Thanks! -Al

Has your cam tunnel been corrected? In a perfect world no button would be needed, look around whats going on........I would use the cam button, and always do on everything.

carl hinkson · 12-28-2013, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Nyhus

What are the pros and cons of running a thrust button in a non-roller camshaft application? With the cam lobes having a 1.5-2 degree taper, it would seem that a thrust button wouldn't be needed.

Block is an early small block Chevy, not the later block with the cam thrust plate. Cam and crank gear are in perfect alignment (checked with the intake on and the distributor in).

Thanks! -Al

Seeing the cam lobes are ground with a slight taper so the cam is always being pushed to the rear of the block.

Cam button is a waste of time and money. I have built a lot of circle track engines over the years and on flat tappet cams they need no cam button as I have never seen any issues not using one.

Run to Rund · 12-29-2013, 11:28 AM

About 40 years ago Isky explained it. Many blocks have slightly crooked lifter bores, and with a roller lifter and cam, you can see the cam screwing itself into or out of the block when you turn it by hand, with the valvetrain assembled.

gbur · 12-29-2013, 02:20 PM

Its all opinion,use your self guidance

BillK · 12-29-2013, 04:16 PM

Alan,

It cant hurt anything. If the cam does not move forward, then the button will just sit there. If the cam does move forward, the button will stop it

Personally I like the Teflon ones, real easy to "adjust" on the belt sander. I have seen a couple of the roller ones in pieces in engines I have taken apart, not worth the chance in my opinion.

bob3240 · 12-30-2013, 09:28 AM

Doesn't the distributor gear push on the camshaft because of the pressure required to drive the oil pump?

carl hinkson · 12-31-2013, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob^3240

Doesn't the distributor gear push on the camshaft because of the pressure required to drive the oil pump?

Yes it does GM SBC and BBC has never used one with a flat tappet cam I would think they would know best.

12-28-2013, 09:21 PM	#1
Alan Nyhus VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Lower Dakota territory Posts: 1,180 Likes: 1,074 Liked 799 Times in 236 Posts	Cam thrust button with hydraulic lifters? What are the pros and cons of running a thrust button in a non-roller camshaft application? With the cam lobes having a 1.5-2 degree taper, it would seem that a thrust button wouldn't be needed. Block is an early small block Chevy, not the later block with the cam thrust plate. Cam and crank gear are in perfect alignment (checked with the intake on and the distributor in). Thanks! -Al __________________ "That'll never work....."

12-29-2013, 11:28 AM	#4
Run to Rund Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 583 Likes: 8 Liked 54 Times in 27 Posts	Re: Cam thrust button with hydraulic lifters? About 40 years ago Isky explained it. Many blocks have slightly crooked lifter bores, and with a roller lifter and cam, you can see the cam screwing itself into or out of the block when you turn it by hand, with the valvetrain assembled.

12-29-2013, 02:20 PM	#5
gbur Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Spotsylvania,Va Posts: 354 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Cam thrust button with hydraulic lifters? Its all opinion,use your self guidance

12-29-2013, 04:16 PM	#6
BillK Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Waldorf Md Posts: 230 Likes: 12 Liked 30 Times in 17 Posts	Re: Cam thrust button with hydraulic lifters? Alan, It cant hurt anything. If the cam does not move forward, then the button will just sit there. If the cam does move forward, the button will stop it Personally I like the Teflon ones, real easy to "adjust" on the belt sander. I have seen a couple of the roller ones in pieces in engines I have taken apart, not worth the chance in my opinion. __________________ Bill Koustenis

12-30-2013, 09:28 AM	#7
bob3240 Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: lebanon ohio Posts: 251 Likes: 3 Liked 16 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Cam thrust button with hydraulic lifters? Doesn't the distributor gear push on the camshaft because of the pressure required to drive the oil pump?