Cam break-in and oil recommendations
07-15-2003, 01:55 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Member Since: Jun 2003
Location: Lititz PA
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cam break-in and oil recommendations
I am almost halfway thru my cam replacement (XE268H comp cams camshaft). 79 L-48 NOM 90K miles, block is bored over 30thou and decked (no ID numbers on front tab). I suspect the previous cam was not broken in properly, seller rushed to finish intime to sell for a divorce.
My original plan was to run synthetic oil. I am being advised that perhaps a heavier grade conventional oil may be best for a block with these miles. What do you guys recommend? This will be a weekend driver (hopefully).
Also, anybody have any advice regarding breaking in the cam. Do's & don'ts etc. (Hydraulic lifters & roller rockers.) Tricks of the trade etc.
Thanks in advance for any & all help. Great Forum!!!
My original plan was to run synthetic oil. I am being advised that perhaps a heavier grade conventional oil may be best for a block with these miles. What do you guys recommend? This will be a weekend driver (hopefully).
Also, anybody have any advice regarding breaking in the cam. Do's & don'ts etc. (Hydraulic lifters & roller rockers.) Tricks of the trade etc.
Thanks in advance for any & all help. Great Forum!!!
07-15-2003, 02:21 PM
#2
Race Director
Re: Cam break-in and oil recommendations (pik)
For cam break in use a petroleum type of oil. Not synthetic. Coat the cam and lifter base with the cam lube that should have come with the cam. Once the engine has fired keep it at or slightly above 2000 rpm for at least 20 minutes. I ran mine for 30 minutes to be safe. After that the cam should be broken in. I ran petroleum oil for the first 100 miles then switched to synthetic and have had no problems at all. I drained the oil after the initial 30 minutes of running then changed again at 100 miles. This will get all the trash and lint from rags left over out of the engine. I changed again at 500 miles. Then you should be OK from there.
07-15-2003, 02:24 PM
#3
Team Owner
Member Since: Oct 2001
Location: Do or do not there is no try YODA
Posts: 23,121
Likes: 0
Received 296 Likes
on
141 Posts
Re: Cam break-in and oil recommendations (Gordonm)
For cam break in use a petroleum type of oil. Not synthetic. Coat the cam and lifter base with the cam lube that should have come with the cam. Once the engine has fired keep it at or slightly above 2000 rpm for at least 20 minutes. I ran mine for 30 minutes to be safe. After that the cam should be broken in. I ran petroleum oil for the first 100 miles then switched to synthetic and have had no problems at all. I drained the oil after the initial 30 minutes of running then changed again at 100 miles. This will get all the trash and lint from rags left over out of the engine. I changed again at 500 miles. Then you should be OK from there.
07-15-2003, 03:33 PM
#4
Racer
Member Since: Dec 2002
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Cam break-in and oil recommendations (WydGlydJim)
i don't know how my cam was broken in, but I ran 10w-30 conventional oil for the first 1000 miles, then switched over to 15W-50 Mobil 1 Synthetic, and everything is fine and dandy, I know have 2400 miles on the engine
07-15-2003, 09:18 PM
#5
Racer
Member Since: Jun 2001
Location: Sanford Florida
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Cam break-in and oil recommendations (pik)
:iagree: Also, it is always a good idea to break the cam in with lighter valve springs. Be GENEROUS with the lube supplied, and some people swear by the GM EOS Watch carefully for overheating, and make sure you can keep it running for the reccomended time period. Possibly fire it on a timing light, and make sure the wires/plugs are run correctly. Check with the man. recomendations, too.
[Modified by boredsoIstrokedit, 8:20 PM 7/15/2003]
[Modified by boredsoIstrokedit, 8:20 PM 7/15/2003]
07-15-2003, 10:02 PM
#6
Team Owner
Re: Cam break-in and oil recommendations (pik)
I run straight 40wt conventional oil and hold it around 2Krms for 20 minutes. I drain the oil and change the filter and replace w/ 10W-30 conventional oil. I drive it for about 500-800miles then drain and switch to Mobil 1 synthetic 10W30.
:cheers:
:cheers:
