Classic/Antique Car Repair: 46 Ply Whine - Timing Chain?, oil drip, thrust plate

Question
10K miles on '46 Plymouth rebuild, stock 218, engine suddenly last week developed engine-area whine that increases with RPM. Removed fanbelt to isolate water pump and generator, and whine still there. Gears, chain new with last rebuild. What is likelihood is not the timing chain -- can't think of what else would create a rotating whine. Could oil drip to chain area have failed to cause this?

Answer
You are testing the old gray matter that is slowly turning into mush inside my skull. But here goes. If I remember right the thrust plate behind the cam gear can be installed backwards. It has grooves cut into one face, the face that must be installed towards the cam not the gear in order to allow splash oil from the front cam bearing to run out onto the crank gear and the timing chain. I have seen these plates installed backwards. Just a thought.
Brad