I just got my new cam from Comp Cams....they are reporting most flat tappet cam manufacturers are showing lobe failures. Mostly because of the oils being used today.
They suggest using only high quality lifters, by reputable manufacturers. Most Imported lifters are inferior castings, and do not provide the durability of Comp Cams US built lifters.
They also recommend the use of high ZDDP content oil for breakin, and regular operation. These would be found in off road/racing oils. These oils carry the SL rating, and should contain up to 1000ppm of Zinc/Phosphorous.
The Comp Cams breakin additive, provides the critical engine startup protection required for new cams/lifters. In addition it also provides the protection for regular use as an additive for long term use. This is the best insurance policy for your new flat tappet camshaft and lifters.
Always remove the inner spring for breakin procedure on a new camshaft, in addition low ratio rocker arms could also be used.
Of course proper breakin technique should be followed:
As soon as the engine fires, bring up the rpm to 2000-2500 for the first 30 minutes of operation. Slower engine speeds will not supply the camshaft with an adequate amount of oil for the breakin period. The engine rpm may be varied periodically from 2000-2500 rpm to direct oil splash to different areas of the camshaft. After the 30 minute break in period, change the oil and filter again, to be sure all contaminants and breakin lube are removed from the engine. The inner valve springs should be reinstalled and the correct rocker arms installed.
Six steps to increased flat tappet cam durability:
1) Double check your camshaft and lifter setup prior to breakin. Use an ample amount of the supplied assembly lube on all lobes, distributor gear, and the bottom face of each lifter.
2) Use flat tappet lifters with cam face oiling provisions. ALWAYS avoid cheap generic lifters
3) Use a lifter bore grooving tool to increase oiling.
4) Nitride treat your new cam to increase the case hardness and lobe surface lubricity.
5) Use high lubricity, high ZDDP content oils to help during breakin, and always use cam breakin lube.
6) Always remove inner valve springs from a dual spring setup, and use lower ratio rocker arms for the breakin period.
Most of this information was taken from my Comp Cams bulletin from my new camshaft.
My heads have the inner spring removed from the dual spring setup, and the lifters I'm using are Engine Pro oriface drilled lobe oiling solid lifters.
We will install the inner springs after the initial breakin.
They suggest using only high quality lifters, by reputable manufacturers. Most Imported lifters are inferior castings, and do not provide the durability of Comp Cams US built lifters.
They also recommend the use of high ZDDP content oil for breakin, and regular operation. These would be found in off road/racing oils. These oils carry the SL rating, and should contain up to 1000ppm of Zinc/Phosphorous.
The Comp Cams breakin additive, provides the critical engine startup protection required for new cams/lifters. In addition it also provides the protection for regular use as an additive for long term use. This is the best insurance policy for your new flat tappet camshaft and lifters.
Always remove the inner spring for breakin procedure on a new camshaft, in addition low ratio rocker arms could also be used.
Of course proper breakin technique should be followed:
As soon as the engine fires, bring up the rpm to 2000-2500 for the first 30 minutes of operation. Slower engine speeds will not supply the camshaft with an adequate amount of oil for the breakin period. The engine rpm may be varied periodically from 2000-2500 rpm to direct oil splash to different areas of the camshaft. After the 30 minute break in period, change the oil and filter again, to be sure all contaminants and breakin lube are removed from the engine. The inner valve springs should be reinstalled and the correct rocker arms installed.
Six steps to increased flat tappet cam durability:
1) Double check your camshaft and lifter setup prior to breakin. Use an ample amount of the supplied assembly lube on all lobes, distributor gear, and the bottom face of each lifter.
2) Use flat tappet lifters with cam face oiling provisions. ALWAYS avoid cheap generic lifters
3) Use a lifter bore grooving tool to increase oiling.
4) Nitride treat your new cam to increase the case hardness and lobe surface lubricity.
5) Use high lubricity, high ZDDP content oils to help during breakin, and always use cam breakin lube.
6) Always remove inner valve springs from a dual spring setup, and use lower ratio rocker arms for the breakin period.
Most of this information was taken from my Comp Cams bulletin from my new camshaft.
My heads have the inner spring removed from the dual spring setup, and the lifters I'm using are Engine Pro oriface drilled lobe oiling solid lifters.
We will install the inner springs after the initial breakin.
