I hate posting this, because the topic of setting valve lash has ben beaten to death on this forum, but I can't find the exact information I'm looking for regarding my specific scenario.

I have seen the steps to proper valve lash posted numerous times, thats not my question. I have a motor that I built with a new cam, new lifters, new heads, new rockers, etc.. The motor has not been run yet, and I have not set the valve lash yet, because I have some concerns. I know that setting the valve lash requires turning the motor over numerous times in order to set each valve, but at the same time, with every revolution of the motor, it is wiping off the camshaft assembly lube from the cam lobes, especially on the lobes that have just had their pre-load set.

I have read that the assembly lube gets "used up" from the cam within seconds of running. Wouldn't me going through the procedure of setting valve lash end up wiping off all of the lubricant from the cam lobes, and causing the cam to run dry for those few vital seconds after the initial start-up of the engine?

Maybe I am giving this too much thought, but this all seems just too logical to ignore. I would hate to ruin my brand new Howards cam and end up with metal shavings in my new motor and be stuck dead in the water from one critical oversight..

Thanks!

 

It shouldnt hurt anything because guys do this all the time. Just prime the engine well before you start it, and it should get plenty of oil upon initial firing. If you are concerned, after priming, take some oil and squirt it all over the lifter areas and it should soak down the cam. That should provide plenty of oil for it.

 

you have to set the valve lash to break in the cam. youll be fine with the lube thats left on the cam even after setting the lash, there will still be a thin film there. just dont let the car get below 2k while running the 30 min break in.

 

Thanks for the input guys, I am just trying to cover all bases when doing this, because I'de hate to ruin my motor because of something I overlooked.

Thanks again!

 

Use a flat tappet recommended oil for break in as well.

To avoid all this, just convert to roller

 

and dont forget the additive for all future oil changes.....roller is that way to go if you can spring for the $300 retro lifters.

 

Yes, definitely. Is there any specific kind/brand that you would recommend?

Roller retro-fits are expensive, but its always an option!

 

Yeah rollers would be nice, but that $300 is more than I could afford. I always wondered if I needed to put the additive for all future oil changed, or just the first two. I will change the oil after the cam is broken in and before driving, and then I will change it again within 500 miles.

 

no over the shelf oils have the additive for flat tapet cams anymore since no manufacturer uses them on stock cars anymore. ive heard the rotella oil for diesel trucks still has it, but havent been able to confirm that.

comp cams makes a break in oil with zddp in it. you can get it from amazon. its about the same price as the part store branded oil. you can also get zddp additive from many online retailers. its usually a single use container that you put in at the oil change

 

Is this the additive you're referring to?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-159/

I also heard that some diesel oil is good for breaking in a new motor, but wasn't sure about that.

 

thats the break in oil additive. they also sell oil with it already mixed in too. thats for the break in, not the every day use.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ISK-ZDDP/ thats what you need to add at every oil change.

 

Allright, gotcha.

I was looking at that ZDDPlus stuff, and was wondering because it was only 4oz, whereas the original link I posted, was 12oz. So When I initially break in the cam, I will use the Comp Cam break in 12oz container, and from then on, when I do oil changes, I will need to add in the ZDDPlus 4oz container, correct?

Also- What kind of oil should I use for all this? I generally use Castrol GTX 5w-30 in my SBC's, and I was going to continue the same here. Just making sure, since we're on the topic.

Thanks for all your help!

 

yep 4oz for 5 qts of oil

 

the break in oil uses a LOT more zddp. but its not good for long term use. the oil gets changed right after the cam break in then you add back less off the zddp with the new oil for everyday use.

 

Alright, I am planning on using 5w-30 for the engine as far as everyday use goes. Should I use thicker/thinner oil for break in, or will that work just fine?

 

itll be fine for break in.

 

Cool, that answers all my questions, thanks for all the help!