Pontiac FIREBIRD 1972 Service Manual page 544

6-32 1972 PONTIAC SERVICE MANUAL
Fig. 6-48 Installing Camshaft Timing Gear and Checking
Thrust Plate End Clearance
5. Check the backlash between the timing gear teeth
with a dial indicator (Fig. 6-50). The backlash should
not be less than .004" nor more than .006".
Fig. 6 - 5 0 Checking Camshaft Gear Backlash
6. Install timing gear cover and gasket. Move oil pan up
into position and tighten oil pan bolts.
7. Install harmonic balancer, using harmonic balancer
installer tool 5-22197.
8. Line up keyway in balancer with key on crankshaft
and drive balancer onto shaft until it bottoms against
crankshaft gear, using tool J 22549.
Fig. 6-49 Checking Camshaft Gear Runout
Install valve lifters and push rods. Install side cover
with a new gasket. Attach coil and wires. Then install
distributor as follows:
Turn crankshaft to firing position of number one
cylinder (number one exhaust and intake valve lifters
both on base circle of camshaft and timing mark on
harmonic balancer indexed with top dead center
mark on timing pad). Position new distributor to
block gasket on block.
Install distributor so that vacuum diaphragm faces
the front of the engine and rotor arm points toward
number one cylinder spark plug contact. It will also
be necessary to turn oil pump drive shaft so it will
index with distributor shaft.
Install fuel pump.
Pivot rocker arms over push rods. With lifters on
base circle of camshaft, tighten rocker arm nut until
all valve train play is removed. Tighten nut one addi-
tional turn.
Install spark plugs.
Add oil to engine. Install water pump pulley and fan
belt and adjust using tension gauge.