Cam break in procedures are changing. The EPA has changed the motor oil of today. In order to eliminate catalytic converter damage the EPA has made the oil companies lower the amount of ZDDP(zinc diakyl dithio phosphate) in engine oils. The ZDDP levels in the 60′s were 0.07% to todays 0.09%. While this has been good for converter life it has made problems for hot rodders installing new flat tappet cams. ZDDP works to prevent corrosion and features excellent anti-scuff and anti-wear properties needed for camshaft break in.
So what’s a gear head to do? First follow all the cam companies procedures for installing your new cam. Most cam companies request that you install low-rate valve springs and use their cam assembly lube. Crane Cams tech department list Shell Rotella T, Chevron Delo, and Mobil DELVAC as suitable oils that contain 1400 ppm of zinc. I haven’t confirmed it yet but rumor is Rotella T’s zinc level has been reduced. Gear heads have another choice. Joe Gibbs BR is an excellent break in oil with a zinc level of 2800ppm. Lake Speed of Joe Gibbs Racing Oil will tell you this oil can be used for break-in and complete dyno sessions. Lucas TB Zinc Plus is an excellent additive that can be use in combination with non synthetic motor oils with low zinc levels.
Other important rules to follow are:
1 Don not use any synthetic oil sense it may be to slippery to assure ring seating and flat tappet lifter rotation.
2 Always apply an approved moly paste to the cam lobes and lifter faces.
3 Do not pump up the hydraulic lifters. This can cause lifters to hold a valve open during cranking, which can cause low compression and delay engine start-up.
4 Always prime the oil system.
5 Lubricate lifter walls and push-rods with engine oil.
6 Fire the engine, bring it to a fast idle of 1500 and 3000 rpm. Vary The idle speed from slow to moderate for 20 to 30 minutes. This varying speed helps to ensure proper lifter rotation.
So Gear Heads keep this in mind when you put in your new cam. These guidlines will ensure miles of pleasure in your hot rods.
