Cam break in oil article

[S/P4884]

In the August 2011 Car Craft magazine there is a good article about breaking in a flat tappet cam. It has a chart with all the additives in several brands of oils. Good reading if anyone is interested.      Mike

[so67vw]

I'm wondering why the cam manufactures don't do a prebreakin process so we don't have to worry about it.... I have seen it done with V8 cams...

[Meandean]

I'm wondering why the cam manufactures don't do a prebreakin process so we don't have to worry about it.... I have seen it done with V8 cams...

I would hazard a guess that the cam lobes have to be broken in with the same cam followers and there's no way a cam company could assure that the followers would go in the right holes.

[jgerock]

Their was another really good one in Hot Rod on valvetrain basics (rocker geometry, etc).  I believe the article was by Marlan Davis.

Not sure - but you used to be able to order new cams from Berg with their hardening process for break-in.  I went thru an extensive break-in procedure on my new engine in 2004; I tried to follow the Berg instructions because I was afraid of messing up lots of valuable engine components (almost everything from Berg).  I was lucky enough to speak with Gene on the phone when I was selecting my cam - very helpful (no bull).  Sorry he is no longer around.

When I first started messing with VW's in high school, I didn't care or even know about the proper procedures.  My engines didn't last very long as a result.

   

[Greg G]

Everyone has there method of breaking in a motor and cam.

Mine is put some oil in it with a bottle of Lucas break in additive, adjust the carbs and timing, take it out and drive it.

With my boy's 78X94 motor we just put in a couple weeks ago, I did as I normally do except I was only able to drive it down the street and back to make sure it didn't have any leaks then told him to take it to football practice like normal. The following week I adjusted the valves and tweeked the carbs.

Of course this motor only has VW diameter duel springs. On my 2332 and and Buster's P/M motor, we don't have time to drive them much before we abuse them. Those two motors just driven hard right after tuning the carb. No problems with the cam and lifters even with the PSI springs we use.

[so67vw]

Yah, I use Lucas additive myself... Hav'n had any problems... I also run 30wt ZR1....

[superdrag]

My cam break in procedure is....umm.....I always run the same cam!  I have had the same cam in my car for 10 years or so, through many different combos.  I think they were better made back then.    I have another on the shelf and so far I have been afraid to use it, but this winter I am going to.  But, the old one will be set aside for my new "other engine", so my good luck cam will live on.