Camshaft install tips and tricks

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(Comp Cams's position on break-in additive and nitriding)
m (Reverted edits by 96.58.61.30 (talk) to last revision by Cobalt327)
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{{!}}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.
  
==Mistakes that may "frag" a flat-tappet camshaft and lifters==
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==Mistakes that may cause failure of a flat-tappet camshaft and lifters ==
  
 
===Cleaning===
 
===Cleaning===
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===Engine RPM for break in===
 
===Engine RPM for break in===
'''13. Failure to run the motor at 2500 rpm or higher (alternating 500/1000 rpm up and down) to allow the crank and rod big ends to throw oil onto the cam, for a minimum of 30 minutes.'''
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'''13. Failure to run the motor at 2500 rpm or higher (alternating 500/1000 rpm up and down) to allow the crank and rod big ends to throw oil onto the cam, for a minimum of 20 minutes.'''
  
 
{{Warning}} No idling! The motor should not be run at less than 2500 rpm for a minimum of 20 minutes. If a problem develops, shut the motor down and fix it, then resume break-in. The main sources of camshaft lubrication is oil thrown off of the rods and crankshaft, drain back from the oil rings and oil blowing around inside the crankcase (this is known as "windage"). At idle, the crank isn't spinning fast enough to provide sufficient oil splash to the camshaft/lifters for proper break in protection.
 
{{Warning}} No idling! The motor should not be run at less than 2500 rpm for a minimum of 20 minutes. If a problem develops, shut the motor down and fix it, then resume break-in. The main sources of camshaft lubrication is oil thrown off of the rods and crankshaft, drain back from the oil rings and oil blowing around inside the crankcase (this is known as "windage"). At idle, the crank isn't spinning fast enough to provide sufficient oil splash to the camshaft/lifters for proper break in protection.
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'''19. Failure to observe the lifters and pushrods turning with the motor running.'''
 
'''19. Failure to observe the lifters and pushrods turning with the motor running.'''
If the lifter is not turning, the cam lobe is hitting on the same spot on the lifter every revolution and it won't be long until the lifter yields and then takes the lobe out with it. All lifters and all pushrods must be turning for successful engine operation.  
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If the lifter is not turning, the cam lobe is hitting on the same spot on the lifter every revolution and it won't be long until the lifter yields and then takes the lobe out with it. All lifters and all pushrods must be turning for successful engine operation.
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==Lubrication==
 
==Lubrication==
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</blockquote>
 
</blockquote>
  
''Not sure of the source, but here's another expert's take on nitriding: Lets talk about that special treatment Comp Cams offers, for an additional $110 dollars. It's true that nitriding a cam raises the Rockwell hardness to 55-60, however they do nothing to increase the hardness of their lifters and most everyone will agree that it's the lifters that go first, then take out the lobe. In fact, the tech at Comp Cams told me that once the cam is broke in, the nitrided surface breaks down and eventually matches the hardness of the lifter. Right.... Clay Smith, Isky, Crane, and several others, experimented with nitriding several years ago. They found that nitriding offered no advantage, simply because they couldn't offer a lifter with the same hardness, at an affordable price. Yes, lifters can be made to match the hardness, but at a considerably higher price (which is probably why Comp Cams doesn't offer them). Next they discovered that a cam, or crankshaft, that had been nitrated was more prone to cracking due to stress resulting from flex and temperature fluctuations. Once the surface is damaged in any way, it cracks and eventually disintegrates, which accelerates wear at an even faster pace. And as expected, the mismatched cam and lifter hardness accelerates wear on the weaker component (lifters), which is true on all metal parts where the hardness is mismatched, such as distributor gears. On a final note, the nitrided cam carries the same warranty as a non-treated cam. If the process is as good as they say, why don’t they offer an extended warranty on the treated cams?
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George "Honker" Striegel (owner of Clay Smith Cams) said the following in an article on Ford inline 6 engines (to be taken with a grain of salt): Lets talk about that special treatment Comp Cams offers, for an additional $110 dollars. It's true that nitriding a cam raises the Rockwell hardness to 55-60, however they do nothing to increase the hardness of their lifters and most everyone will agree that it's the lifters that go first, then take out the lobe. In fact, the tech at Comp Cams told me that once the cam is broke in, the nitrided surface breaks down and eventually matches the hardness of the lifter. Right.... Clay Smith, Isky, Crane, and several others, experimented with nitriding several years ago. They found that nitriding offered no advantage, simply because they couldn't offer a lifter with the same hardness, at an affordable price. Yes, lifters can be made to match the hardness, but at a considerably higher price (which is probably why Comp Cams doesn't offer them). Next they discovered that a cam, or crankshaft, that had been nitrated was more prone to cracking due to stress resulting from flex and temperature fluctuations. Once the surface is damaged in any way, it cracks and eventually disintegrates, which accelerates wear at an even faster pace. And as expected, the mismatched cam and lifter hardness accelerates wear on the weaker component (lifters), which is true on all metal parts where the hardness is mismatched, such as distributor gears. On a final note, the nitrided cam carries the same warranty as a non-treated cam. If the process is as good as they say, why don’t they offer an extended warranty on the treated cams?
  
 
Cam manufacturers found the better solution was to produce cams cores with a higher nickel content, which raised the hardness to 42-46 on the Rockwell scale. By using lifters that match the hardness of the cam, which are affordable to produce, wear is greatly diminished. Today there are literally millions of consumers using high nickel cams, of which a very small percentage have had wear issues that are directly related to cam hardness. Cam failures, or lobe wear, can almost always be traced back to improper break-in, the use of cheaper motor oils, or the use of high volume oil pumps. As such cam manufacturers don't offer nitriding, simply because it isn't needed, especially if you use a good quality oil and follow the recommended break-in procedures, including a high quality break-in oil. On the other hand, if you insist on using a high volume oil pump and/or high pressure valve springs for boosted applications, then a treated cam might be better suited. Just be prepared to change out the lifters on a regular basis, which means pulling the cylinder head frequently, or spending several hundreds of dollars on chilled lifters.  
 
Cam manufacturers found the better solution was to produce cams cores with a higher nickel content, which raised the hardness to 42-46 on the Rockwell scale. By using lifters that match the hardness of the cam, which are affordable to produce, wear is greatly diminished. Today there are literally millions of consumers using high nickel cams, of which a very small percentage have had wear issues that are directly related to cam hardness. Cam failures, or lobe wear, can almost always be traced back to improper break-in, the use of cheaper motor oils, or the use of high volume oil pumps. As such cam manufacturers don't offer nitriding, simply because it isn't needed, especially if you use a good quality oil and follow the recommended break-in procedures, including a high quality break-in oil. On the other hand, if you insist on using a high volume oil pump and/or high pressure valve springs for boosted applications, then a treated cam might be better suited. Just be prepared to change out the lifters on a regular basis, which means pulling the cylinder head frequently, or spending several hundreds of dollars on chilled lifters.  
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While the move has been made by the OEMs to stop using flat tappet cams and lifters in production vehicle engines (replaced by hydraulic roller cams and lifters), they are not immune to failure.
 
While the move has been made by the OEMs to stop using flat tappet cams and lifters in production vehicle engines (replaced by hydraulic roller cams and lifters), they are not immune to failure.
  
The same type of oil additives should be used, because it is not just the cam and lifters that require a high pressure lubricant additive; the 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 should be found online), use motor oil or a roller lifter-specific lube for the roller lifters and cam.  
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The same type of oil additives should be used, because it is not just the cam and lifters that require a high pressure lubricant additive; use the heavy moly cam break in lube on a roller cam or lifter- it will cure problems. If those are not available for some unknown reason (all should be found online), use motor oil or a roller lifter-specific lube for the roller lifters and cam.  
  
 
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Revision as of 00:36, 28 April 2016

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