So I changed the oil in my fresh motor after driving in about 150 miles and when I drained it i noticed some metal shavings in the drain pan. I changed the oil right after the cam break in procedure and now. I'm pretty sure this is normal and all the new parts are just saying "hello" to each other. Let me know what you think. There wasn't to much metal shavings just enough to make me raise a brow.

 

Metal "Dust" is normal. I'm talking about the type that only a magnetic drain plug would pick up.

Shavings would to me seem extreme. Did you roast the cam lobes?

 

I don't see how I could have roasted the cam lobes. I followed the break in procedure carefully. It was more of a dust I guess more than anything. It was on the drain plug and in the drain pan.

 

That doesn't sound good....

Re-lash your valves. See how much any of them has changed. If the lash has grown by more than about .005", STOP running the engine NOW, and replace the cam, before the oil gets so full of metal that it ends up destroying bearings.

Your "procedure" for break-in can unfortunately be perfect, correct, and meticulous; but with the changes in oil formulations that are REQUIRED by law these days, a new flat-tappet cam is still a risky proposition. There's no way to know whether you are going to get lucky, or not. If you didn't, then CUT YOUR LOSSES NOW, before the bill to set it straight goes even higher.

STRONGLY consider a roller cam instead, if your is farkled.

 

I heard that having a little amount of dust or shavings is ok for break in. I'm not talking an astronomical amount or anything. I've heard this from numerous people including the engine builder, whom has a very good rep around here. I didn't know whether to be worried or not. This was last year before storage, and now I'm about ready to take the car out of hibernation. I really can't afford anything right now with the new house and all. I hope everything is OK.

 

Check your lash, that's the best way to be sure. Reset it cold and drive it a bit. Then check it again.
Keep me in the loop. I'm very close to finishing my solid flat tappet build up.

 

i responded to you in a PM about what you were doing wrong PM me back when you check it all out.

 

Some metal is abosolutly normal in your first couple oil changes espcially with a new flat tappet cam. run it a little while longer and change the oil again if there is less metal and no odd noises devolping then you are good. If not that cam needs to come out.

 

You don't feel like sharing your opinion with the rest of the class?

 

 

i was told by the local engine shop around here that for a flat tapped cam you would need to use a zink additive to break in your cam other wise the new oils run a much higher risk of destroying lobes.

 

Here's a hint: Don't use high-rate, small springs with 500lbs over the nose and 1.6 rockers to break in a high-lift flat tappet cam...
There's no oil/lube combination that will work with the above.