12 fastlane
camshafts, ZDDP was caught in the crosshairs.
When ZDDP-formulated oil quietly went away, the
rate of flat tappet cam failure went through the
roof. It wasn’t unheard of to see the lobes wiped
off cams during engine break-in.
Fortunately, several oil manufacturers now offer
quality oils with comprehensive additive packages
(including ZDDP) designed for use with flat tappet
camshafts. Mineral and synthetic oil from Brad
Penn, Joe Gibbs Driven, Valvoline VR, and others
are stocked by Summit Racing. Additionally, COMP
Cams, Lucas Oil, Red Line, and others offer ZDDP in
additive form to treat regular oil, also available at
Summit Racing.
HERE ARE A FEW TRIED AND TRUE
TIPS TO MAKE FLAT TAPPET CAM
BREAK-IN GO SMOOTHLY!
• Clean the cam with mineral spirits or wash it in solvent before installation. Carefully
inspect the cam for defects such as deep scratches, and lobe damage. We also like
to rewash the cam with hot soapy water and let it fully dry before installing it.
• Coat the camshaft lobe, journals, distributor gear, and lifters with the installation
lube provided by the manufacturer. Use all of the lube. If the cam didn’t come with
lube, use a high-pressure lubricant such as molybdenum disulphide.
• When using dual valve springs, always remove the inner spring during break-in. If
using a high load single valve spring, replace it with a lighter spring during break-
in.
• Install a fresh oil filter and use high quality engine oil with a good amount of zinc
additive.
• After the cam and lifters are installed, pour a bottle of cam break-in lube directly
over them through the lifter valley.
• Set static ignition timing, carburetor tune, and basic valve lash so the engine will
fire quickly and get up to a high idle speed. Break-in is not the time to tune the
engine.
• The engine will be operating at higher than normal speeds during break-in, so
keeping the engine cool is imperative. An old trick we use is to place a couple of
high capacity electric fans in front of the radiator to aid in cooling. Pointing a slow
running water hose directly at the radiator core also helps.
• After the engine starts, bring the RPMs up to 2,000 to 2,500 during the first 30
minutes of operation. Vary the RPM between 2,000 to 2,500 periodically so that oil
splash is directed at different parts of the camshaft. Some engines tend to have
internal windage patterns that starve camshaft journals from oil spray at specific
engine RPM ranges.
• When the 30-minute break-in period is complete, change the oil and the filter.
Always use good quality mineral or synthetic oil with high amounts of zinc.
• Replace the inner valve springs or swap in the regular springs. Re-lash the camshaft.
At this point you can tune the carburetor and ignition timing.