Hello Phil:

First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to follow up on a Sunday. I really appreciate it.

Yes, I suspected that removing the gear using the gear puller might have moved things rearward a tad. I am nowhere near 1/2" back so I am hopeful I am fine with respect to the rear oil seal.

It is hard to explain the amount of wear. Rubbing my finger across it I cannot feel anything too noticeable, but there is an observable "swirling" that is not matched on the backside. I did not inspect the rear face of the timing gear but I will when I return to the garage this week. Now that I have a 1-7/16" socket (with the 3/4" to 1/2" drive adapter $28.00 - OUCH!) I will be able to torque the cam nut on properly.

Speaking of which, it was suggested to me by our friends at RPR that I use Loctite on the nut on the end of the camshaft. Thoughts? Red or blue? How much?

Finally, I hate to be a noodge, but how do I measure tooth flank clearance and camshaft end float?

Cheers,

Jeff Pucillo