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For starting up a flat-tappet cam, it might pay to use a cheap set of valve covers with about half the top cut off, so you can see if the pushrods are spinning when the engine starts. If you find one that's not spinning, twist it with your fingers in the same direction the others are spinning to get it going. Once it starts to spin, it won't stop, unless the bottom is already flat-spotted or you have another problem as others have written.
Using low-pressure springs or just the outer spring on a 2 spring set will up the odds of the cam surviving the 20 minute break-in period. After break-in, install the correct springs.
Speaking of admitting mistakes so others may live, I had what I called the "Rack of Shame" in my previous garage. It was a simple wooden rack with 2 uprights and 2 crossbars. It held 5 cams. The first cam was a 435 solid cam (couldn't adjust valves to save my life), the second cam was the hydraulic replacement for the first one (but the supplier gave me a 306 @ 0.050" cam, instead of 306 advertised), the third cam was the replacement for the second cam (wiped out at break-in), the 4th cam was a new 435 solid cam to replace the wiped-lobe cam (going full circle here). Rebuilt the engine at this point with a hydraulic flat tappet cam. The fifth cam was from the rebuild, which lost oil pressure gradually over 6 months (builder did a bunch of short cut, found out later).
I did the half valve cover routine on the fifth cam and one pushrod wasn't spinning when the engine started. Spun the pushrod and it kept spinning. The cam was fine and I had about 1,000 miles on the engine when the oil pressure degradation situation started. Lots of fun.
I've been busy doing other things, but now getting back to the car...
So here is the wiped cam for those that are curious how bad it was.
I ordered the Scorpion shaft mount rockers to use with a new Edelbrock Roller cam but their kit does not clear the ARP head bolt heads so I had to send it back. I'm not messing around this time... I ordered the Jesel shaft mount rockers and the kit is great, fits well, comes with its own low profile head bolts, etc. I am just starting to install them.
You gotta get that motor back together and come down for a Columbus Cars and Coffee at the Lennox Center on a Saturday morning before the white flakes start flying!
You gotta get that motor back together and come down for a Columbus Cars and Coffee at the Lennox Center on a Saturday morning before the white flakes start flying!
GRID CAR has really been threw the ringer lately....
The new radiator is in and looks GREAT! DeWitt is the best.
The dang car ended up with more problems though.
The original rear brake lines have finally given up the ghost so we had to run new lines all the way to the front. I don't mind really. I'm glad to know its safe to drive. Glad we noticed it.
and then....
Just when you think its ready to roll, the timing cover breaks! Yes, it BROKE. the bottom channel lip that is a separate welded piece just popped off due to cold welds. ( Mr. Gasket piece of junk)
So yea, we are almost done putting it back together. (again)
