I bought a new edelbrock cam and lifter set today and I was going over the instructions since it seems that every cam manufactor has different way of installing the cam. The directions said not to prime the lifters prior to installation as it could damage the pushrods and cam. I not your expert cam installer as this is my second, first on a GM motor. I just want to make sure nothing gets wacked when I start the motor for the first time.

 

Follow their instructions if you want. I always prime them and never had a problem.

 

i don't think priming lifters serves any more usefull purpose than making you feel good for doing it, however i try to prime them when i install a set.

 

I never prime them, never had any problems. If its a flat tappet cam, use lots of assembly lube though...that is more important than priming, IMO...

 

Waste of time. Lifters come from the factory pre oiled. Cam lube isnt the same as assembly lube, it creates friction on the lobe so the cam/lifters break in faster.

 

Yea, I went ahead a installed them as per the instructions the cam came with, unprimed, and finished assembling the engine and with any luck I will get to drop it in the car by Sunday and see.

Thanks guys.

 

I always collapse the lifter using a pushrod and apply oil through a squirt oil can into the feed hole on the side of the lifter until I feel the lifter pump up. It just makes me feel better to know it actually has oil in it, and that it will actually pump up w/o some defect.