The way I see it, the cam thrust plate problem is due to the same reason[s] that the #4 crank thrust bearing fails: everything works well, until the engine starts getting modified for more hp.
In the case of the cam thrust, heavier oil &/or a stronger oil pressure spring puts more load on the thust plate. As with the crank thrust, more area is needed to spread the load, NOT more oil.
The cam is easier to fix than the crank, & I am surprised it has not been done. Maybe the failure rate is not high enough, or it is not a big enough problem?? Maybe someone will make a new thrust plate that has a smaller centre hole, so it just fits over the cam nose; this would substantially increase the surface bearing area, using the FULL surface area of the front cam journal. The lip on the rear of the cam sprocket would have to me machined off, so maybe the product would be sold as a 'cam plate & timing chain update kit'!??
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