How do I break in my roller camshaft and lifters?
Procedure
Breaking in an engine 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. The following procedure could apply to any roller camshaft. The specific instructions for your camshaft may vary slightly. Whenever possible, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- New lifters are not always required with a new roller camshaft.
- If reusing lifters, clean and inspect them thoroughly to ensure they are still good.
- Use an Assembly/Break-In Lube to coat the cam lobes and distributor gears.
- Use Break-In Oil.
- Be sure to soak lifters in the break-in oil.
- Use a finer micron filter during break-in.
- Do not "pump up" hydraulic lifters.
- Do not exceed Recommended Valve Spring Pressures.
- Performance engines using high valve spring pressure should use a lighter set of springs for the break-in procedure.
- If you have double or triple springs, remove the inner springs during the break-in procedure.
- Install the Camshaft.
- Set the Valve Lash or Preload as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Prime the Oiling System.
- Set the Initial Ignition Timing.
- For carbureted engines, make sure fuel bowls are full and any air is bled from the fuel lines.
- Start the engine and immediately raise rpm to 3,000.
-
Vary rpm between 1,500 and 3,000 for the next 20-30
minutes.
a. Use a slow, steady acceleration/deceleration pattern.
- Shut down the engine and let it cool.
-
Drain the oil and change the oil filter.
a. This removes any metal particles from the break-in process.
- Refill the engine with break-in oil.
The initial break-in is now complete. After the next 500 miles of normal driving, change the oil and oil filter again.
- If you choose a synthetic oil, we recommend putting about 5,000 miles on the camshaft with conventional oil before switching.