Most every enthusiast dreads the break-in procedure for a flat-tappet cam. Break-in is a twenty minute process where the lifter and lobe surfaces wear an initial pattern together. Proper oiling is absolutely critical to avoid overheating and warping the surfaces.
While most break-in’s go without a hitch, it is inevitable that over the course of your enthusiast career you will eventually run into a wiped cam lobe. The initial reaction is to blame the cam company and suspect poor manufacturing or cam lobe hardness. While these factors are not without merit, a recent tech bulletin by Comp Cams indicates that the problem may actually be in the oil itself.
Comp reveals that today’s oils no longer contain many of the additives, such as zinc and manganese, that were once mixed in the oil to help the longevity of flat-tappet cams and other iron based engine components. While the lubricity of oil has changed due to changes in engine materials, Comp says it is also a direct result of EPA efforts to reduce environmental pollution.
Comp is recommending that flat-tappet camshaft owners use Shell’s Rotella T oils. Since that line of oil is primarily developed for diesel engines, Comp says the oil makeup contains many of the additives that many of the newer oils are lacking.
Comp Cams also points out that a successful break-in also relies on using proper lifters. They caution that many of the imported lifters lack appropriate manufacturing tolerances, which can result in a lifter that doesn’t spin in its bore, or provides inadquate oiling to the cam lobe.
Read the entire Comp Cams Tech Bulletin #225
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