Flat tappet cam failures

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Jan 2, 2009 | 04:08 PM

#21

mrruffhouser

Racer

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 269

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by js292

I just use Rotella and GM EOS for break in and have had no problems. Knock on wood

It's the EOS that "saves the day". Get it at your GM dealer.

Jan 2, 2009 | 07:23 PM

#22

one-72

Instructor

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 187

Likes: 12

talk to the people at crower cams they will take time and help you.
Spring pressure is critical on these cams.also when you put roller lifters in these non roller motors pushrod length will change make sure to check rocker arm clearance.If you don,t use a cam button the cam will walk back and forth slightly changing your timing.If you use a bronze dist. gear it is going to wear out in time sooner than you think. After you get it worked out you will love it.
Keep a sharp eye on the dist. gear no matter what you decide to put in there .And remember those guys at the track tear them every week .Good luck

Jan 2, 2009 | 08:45 PM

#23

Oldguard 7

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 2,337

Likes: 14

From: Norfolk VA

I also think it is a way to force older cars off the roads. I think the oil companies at a minimum could put warnings on the bottles of oil stating that older engines suffer camshaft damage using the new formulation of motor oils. Hmmmm camshaft (old car) vs catalytic convertor (new/newer cars)

Jan 2, 2009 | 08:55 PM

#24

baxsom

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 5,284

Likes: 235

From: Rockledge FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solid LT1

DON'T USE Diesel oil in a high RPM gasoline motor, you are a FOOL if you do, besides, they are removing all the ZDDP from Diesel oils too. Some oils for you to look up/use: Brad Penn racing (NO! it's not Jeff Spicolli's brother!), Joe Gibbs oil, Motul (really EFFING expensive!) Mobil1 MOTORCYCLE oil, Valvoline Racing "not for street use" oil, any oil with a high ZDDP additive package (ZDDP is Zinc extreme pressure lubricant, Zinc=Lead=fouled catalytic convertor so the ZDDP is being eliminated from all oils INCLUDING Rotella for the new Diesel motors with catalytic convertors.) I do like Rotella in my truck, it has a little silver badge on the side "Duramax/Allison" that says it all

not to come off like a jerk but your comment is pretty strong. i was just curious as to why you feel this way. especially since the comp cams instructions specifically mention rotella T diesel oil as one of the ones to use.

Jan 2, 2009 | 09:40 PM

#25

jb78L-82

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 7,453

Likes: 976

From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN

Just use Mobil1 15W-50 with ZDDP of 1,200-1,300 PPM and call it a day, all the ZDDP you need and group IV synthetic! Only the 15W-50 Mobil 1 since the other wieghts do not have the proper amount of ZDDP! Also, the Extended Performance Mobil 1's DO NOT HAVE ANY More ZDDP than the regular Mobil 1's. 5 QTS at Walmart for apprx $25. Shell Rotella T Diesel Oil has only 1,200 PPM of ZDDP, same as the Mobil 1 15 W-50 synthetic! All the mass market oils are now limited by the EPA as to the amount of ZDDP. Most oils are now in the 800-1,000 PPM ZDDP level due to the new regulations and certifications. Most experts agree that 1,200 PPM ZDDP is the magic number for flat tappet cams. Hit that number and you should be good, no matter how you do it. PS-Every major oil manufacturer does not recommend adding additives to their oil package since it could adversely effect other lubricating properties of their oils. IMHO you are better off buying an oil with the proper amount of ZDDP rather than making up the deficit with additives. Either will probably work though!

Last edited by jb78L-82; Jan 2, 2009 at 09:43 PM.

Jan 2, 2009 | 10:31 PM

#26

randommj

Safety Car

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 4,449

Likes: 0

sorry to be so dense here but are stock cams falt tappets?

Miles

Jan 2, 2009 | 11:39 PM

#27

corvettedale

Cruising

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 14

Likes: 0

From: Montgomery Alabama

I read a very detailed post on this forum about the formulation of Valvoline VR1, so that is what I use.....I have had no problems with my Comp solid lifter cam......Knock on wood....