Do roller cam engines need break-in oil?
Roller cams do not need to be broken-in, nor do they need any zinc in the oil, but ALL flat tappet cams need both. Do NOT break-in your cam or engine with non-detergent oil!
Do roller cams need zinc?
As there’s less friction in a roller cam engine and zinc can be damaging over time, a roller cam shouldn’t use a zinc oil additive. In short, if you use a flat tappet cam, it’s recommended that you choose motor oil that contains zinc or a zinc replacement additive, while it’s not recommended for a roller cam.
How long does it take to break-in a cam?
As a point of interest, the most critical time in the life of a flat tappet camshaft is the first 20 minutes of break-in during which the bottoms of the lifters “mate-in” with the cam lobes. There are some oils with additive packages that are better for camshaft break-in.
How do you break-in a new engine with a roller cam?
Here are a few break-in tips from the experts:
- Wash off the rust preventative coating that is on the parts prior to installation.
- Apply a calcium-sulfonate grease instead of ZDDP before assembly.
- Use a finer micron filter during break-in.
- Prime the pump before firing the engine.
- Do not idle the engine.
Is break in oil thinner than regular oil?
Our break in period is roughly 5,500 miles. Synthetic oil’s lubricity is thinner than standard oil and will not allow the rings and gaskets to seat properly. If you use a synthetic the rings won’t seat properly and you’ll burn oil and will never get full compression.
Do you have to break in a hydraulic cam?
While many think break-in procedures are just for flat-tappet cams, testing has shown that today’s close-tolerance hydraulic lifters greatly benefit from a dedicated break-in procedure. A recent two-year study of valve train break-in procedures has discovered a new direction in proper cam and lifter break-in.
Do you need to break in a roller camshaft?
Breaking in an enigne with a roller camshaft is important. Metal particles are created during break-in. This is the biggest issue for the bearings in the roller lifter. Most camshafts come with specific break-in procedures.