I'm in the process of my engine rebuild, and I just got my new cam bearings installed and put in my New crower cam and i have massive end play. The cam can slide forward and back 3/16"

Am I missing something here? This seems way off

 

You've installed the cam holder? I don't remember *any* play in mine when I did it.

 

Apparently end float can only be checked/measured with the cam gear on. I found a few threads after posting in panic with the same confusion