Method for breaking in a new camshaft

Camaro Forums Camaro Classifieds Photo Gallery Members Search Forum FAQ Contact CF Sponsors
Camaro News Camaro Timeslips Camaro Recalls TSBs Register Login

Method for breaking in a new camshaft

Printable Version

Camaro >> Brand Review >> Engine & Internal >> Method for breaking in a new camshaft

Page: [1]

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Method for breaking in a new camshaft - 3/28/2007 8:26:44 PM

RatMotor

Posts: 99
Joined: 8/22/2006
Status: offline

When you install the cam you need a GENEROUS amount of cam "break in" lube or some type of moly equivelent on the cam lobes. Should look like a thin layer of cake frosting on them if you have enough. Regular old Dino oil will work on the cam journals.

Same with the bottoms and sides of the lifters, bottom and tops of the pushrods and rockers. (use moly type lube)

Prime the oiling system to make sure there is pressure in the system, make sure the timing is close enough to get the car started, plenty of fuel in the tank, water (coolant for you street guys) in the radiator, and a hose ready if the car starts to get hot to spray the radiator.

Here's the tricky part, if you have a big cam this likely means that you have aftermarket springs that will have more open pressure than the factory ones. If this is the case you need to take out the inner spring before you start the motor. If not, you could, but not neccesarily, wipe out a lobe. I'd say anything over 300lbs open pressure will neccesitate the removal of the inner springs.

Make sure everything is ready to go.....period. And have a friend with you there through the whole process. Even if it's just to sit in the car if anything goes wrong.

Fire up the car and get the RPMs up to 2200-2500 with the idle speed screw on the throttle linkage. Don't just hold it there with your foot. Make sure your oil pressure is good. Anything above 30psi will do for the initial break in (you're only turning 2500RPMs). Set your timing if at all possible and readjust your idle staying in that RPM range. Watch your water temp and if it does spray the radiator with water to cool the system down.

You are at the point of no return now. Don't shut the car off for at least 20 minutes. If the car dies, get it fired up as quick as possible. When you first try to start the car, don't turn the engine over too much. Step back and see if there is something not letting the car start. I.E. no fuel getting to the carb or something like that. If you feel overwelmed, don't worry about the timing unless the car is running really rough.

After that 20 minutes or so bring the idle down check the gauges and shut the car off. Pull the valve covers and check your valve lash (or make sure there are no loose ones if it is a hydraulic cam). If there are any loose ones, now's the time to make sure that a lobe dodn't get wiped out. If not, then you're good to go.

BTW, you need to change out the oil you used to break in the cam. There will be plenty of break in lube in the oil that needs to be removed as to not clog the filter. Oh, change the filter too. While you're at it, cut the filter open and look between the pleats for any larger metal particles. Just a precaution on my part...

Sorry so long and boring......

RM