I am trying to remove the cam sprocket but the chain is too tight and the pin is too long for the sprocket to slide over. What am I doing wrong?

Edit: I also have another question. I was wandering how to know when to use shims. I am installing a 227/233 xr cam with crane gold race 1.6 self alligning roller rockers and I am using 612 spring kit. Thanks for any help.

 

Remove the cam sprocket, crank sprocket and timing chain all at once.

 

The one time I ran into the timing chain problem, as stated above, I just pulled the crank gear off using a puller along with the cam gear. Problem is I bent the chain due to the claws making contact with it and it had to be replaced.
As far as shims go I take it you mean to adjust your install height on your springs? You need to find out what your spring pressures should be with that cam as well as what is a recommended install height for the springs. You can get an install height micrometer from Summit for around $30.

 

I had the same problem when I had to pull the cam out again after installing a new GM ED timing set, and the chain hadn't stretched yet. I ended up using a three jaw gear puller on the crank sprocket and pulled it out a 1/4 inch or so before I could get the cam sprocket off the pin. I did deform the peened over heads on the chain roller pins slightly, but it didn't seem to affect the integrity of the chain, so I reinstalled it that way. That was about 3,000 miles ago. If I ever run into that situation again, I'm going to fabricate some kind of special hooks on the puller arms that doesn't bear on the roller pins.

Chris

 

Once the bolts are removed, rotate the cam sprocket on the dowel pin to create slack in the chain. You can then remove the chain and then the sprocket.