Camshaft install tips and tricks
(Clean up; add links) |
(Add images, text; minor clean up) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| + | [[File:Combo worn cam lifter.jpg|thumb|450px|'''This''' is what has to be avoided!]] | ||
==Disclaimer== | ==Disclaimer== | ||
Use this list as a guideline so that you remember to check all these things when installing a new flat tappet camshaft. This list is not gospel, and if the manufacturer of the camshaft you're using recommends procedures that differ from what is shown here, use the manufacturer's recommendations instead. | Use this list as a guideline so that you remember to check all these things when installing a new flat tappet camshaft. This list is not gospel, and if the manufacturer of the camshaft you're using recommends procedures that differ from what is shown here, use the manufacturer's recommendations instead. | ||
| Line 36: | Line 37: | ||
*[http://www.zddplus.com/ZDDPlus%20MSDS.pdf ZDDPlus MSDS] | *[http://www.zddplus.com/ZDDPlus%20MSDS.pdf ZDDPlus MSDS] | ||
*[http://www.zddpforum.com/forum/ ZDDP forum] | *[http://www.zddpforum.com/forum/ ZDDP forum] | ||
| − | |||
==Installation== | ==Installation== | ||
| Line 112: | Line 112: | ||
Used lifters should only be used on the very same cam, in the very same block, and in the very same positions they were removed from. Chances that the lifter bores will be machined on the very same angles on a different block as the block the lifters came out of are about equal to you hitting the lottery. If you purchase a used flat tappet cam from a swap meet or yard sale, plan on using it for a doorstop. | Used lifters should only be used on the very same cam, in the very same block, and in the very same positions they were removed from. Chances that the lifter bores will be machined on the very same angles on a different block as the block the lifters came out of are about equal to you hitting the lottery. If you purchase a used flat tappet cam from a swap meet or yard sale, plan on using it for a doorstop. | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
==Lubrication== | ==Lubrication== | ||
That pencil-point of contact between the camshaft lobe and lifter crown is under somewhere between 250,000 and 300,000 pounds per square inch of pressure, so it should come as no surprise that extreme pressure lubrication is required, especially at break in where the contact point between lobe and lifter is irregular. The break in grease applied to the bottoms of the lifters and to the cam lobes is all the lubrication there is during the initial 5 to 10 seconds of operation, until motor oil reaches the interface. | That pencil-point of contact between the camshaft lobe and lifter crown is under somewhere between 250,000 and 300,000 pounds per square inch of pressure, so it should come as no surprise that extreme pressure lubrication is required, especially at break in where the contact point between lobe and lifter is irregular. The break in grease applied to the bottoms of the lifters and to the cam lobes is all the lubrication there is during the initial 5 to 10 seconds of operation, until motor oil reaches the interface. | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
===Racer Brown's position on oil level during break-in=== | ===Racer Brown's position on oil level during break-in=== | ||
| Line 139: | Line 127: | ||
*[http://www.compperformancegroupstores.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CC&Product_Code=159&Category_Code= Comp Cams Engine Break-In Oil Additive] | *[http://www.compperformancegroupstores.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CC&Product_Code=159&Category_Code= Comp Cams Engine Break-In Oil Additive] | ||
*[http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/assembley-lube-good-anything-174183.html#post1239633 Hotrodders forum thread on cam and assembly lubricants] | *[http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/assembley-lube-good-anything-174183.html#post1239633 Hotrodders forum thread on cam and assembly lubricants] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Comp Cams's position on break-in additive and nitriding=== | ||
| + | <blockquote> | ||
| + | ''"Due to federal legislation, motor oils no longer contain certain anti-scuffing agents that played a critical role in flat tappet camshaft break in. While incorrect valve spring pressure and not following proper break-in procedure are often the culprits, the changes in oil formulation have brought about a need for additional steps to be added to the break-in process.'' | ||
| + | <br><br> | ||
| + | ''COMP Cams has two ways to ensure proper break-in of flat tappet cams. COMP Cams Engine Break-In Additive (part #159) ensures that the camshaft will have the lubricants that it needs to seat the camshaft journals and lobe/lifter surfaces. This lubricant is poured into the engine crankcase after the camshaft and lifters have been coated with the initial break-in lubricant (molybdenum disulphide) supplied with the camshaft.'' | ||
| + | <br><br> | ||
| + | ''Another option for increasing flat tappet cam longevity is nitriding. Recently COMP Cams invested in a nitriding machine, the first of its kind owned by a major U.S. aftermarket camshaft manufacturer. Nitriding actually hardens the surface of the camshaft and tappet face by injecting nitrogen “needles” into the metal. The result is an ultra-hard surface on the face of the camshaft lobes and lifter face, which greatly improves the performance and break-in process for flat tappet cams. This process is an additional charge for COMP Cams camshafts, but for many extreme duty applications, it virtually ensures proper break-in and increased durability."'' | ||
| + | </blockquote> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Tools== | ||
| + | *[http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-5003/ Lifter bore grooving tool] allows pressurized oil from the lifter galley to be squirted directly onto the cam lobe/lifter interface. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Roller cams are not immune== | ||
| + | While the move has been made by the OEMs to stop using flat tappet cams and lifters, replaced by hydraulic roller cams and lifters, they are not immune to failure. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The same type of oil additives should be used, however do not use the heavy moly cam break in lube on a roller cam or lifter- it will cause much more problems than it will cure. Instead, follow the manufacturer's instructions. If those are not available for some unknown reason (all are online), use straight motor oil or a roller lifter-specific lube for the roller lifters and cam. | ||
| + | |||
| + | {| | ||
| + | |[[File:Bad roller lobe.jpg|thumb|center|460px|Bad roller cam lobe caused by insufficient lubrication and/or valve train failure, possibly due to clearance problems]] | ||
| + | |[[File:Bad lifter rollers.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Heavily chipped/pitted/galled lifter roller]] | ||
| + | |} | ||
==Resources== | ==Resources== | ||
Your Privacy Choices