I am putting my head back together and cannot get my cam sprocket on the cam dowel! Its like the chain is too short but i know its not. i have an extra head and block lying around and put those together and it does the same thing so i know my chain and sprocket and all are fine. Im sure there is a trick to it. any help?

 

sounds like the tensioner is extended -- i've found the easiest way is to stick a prybar through one of the holes in the sprocket and walk it up onto the camshaft.

 

I found if I removed one of the bolts in the curved timing chain guide to let it swing out of the way, that gave me enough slack to get the new chain and sprocket installed. And of course, don't forget to reinstall that bolt before putting the timing cover back on.

 

i had same problem but mine was dude to earlier block and newer head..I wasnt aware of the differences when i bought another head and guess got a newer 85-up. and motor out of truck was a 84

The block and head combo was to tall and cam gear wouldnt go on. Came to i had to get another block since i couldnt find a head at the time.

just sayin it cuz you said you have extra stuff laying around...