Cam install question

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Mar 15, 2004 | 08:57 PM

Greg_E

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From: Middletown CT

Cam install question

I'm installing a cam in a spare engine I have. The engine will most likely not be used for a while. Should I just use Mobil 1 to lube the cam, when I install it or use assembly lube? My concern is that there will not be enough oil remaining on the surfaces, to properly lube the cam, when I put it in service at some point in the future.

Mar 16, 2004 | 07:54 AM

Mr. Jones

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From: Bedford Va.

Re: Cam install question (Greg_E)

oil the cam and soak the lifters (if they are used) pump and soak if they are new. Assembly lube is good on the cam "thick sticky stuff" NOT break in lube.
how long will this motor sit?

Mar 16, 2004 | 08:21 AM

runamuk

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St. Jude Donor '04

Re: Cam install question (Mr. Jones)

Quote:

oil the cam and soak the lifters (if they are used) pump and soak if they are new. Assembly lube is good on the cam "thick sticky stuff" NOT break in lube.
how long will this motor sit?

:iagree:
Don't use Mobil 1 to break in the motor instead buy regular Valvoline or Pennzoil (which ever you prefer) when you fire it up.

Mar 16, 2004 | 08:06 PM

Greg_E

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Re: Cam install question (runamuk)

The engine is not going in the car anytime soon (I hope). I bought it for insurance, in case I blow up the one in the car, and as a long term project, to work on when I have the time, and money. I imagine there is a startup procedure to prelube engines that have been sitting for extended periods of time, but it must be difficult to get lubrication to the cam. That's why I want to use something that will provide immediate protection, until the oil gets flowing.

Mar 17, 2004 | 09:14 AM

Mr. Jones

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From: Bedford Va.

Re: Cam install question (Greg_E)

on the older small blocks you could pull the distributor, insert a rod that was
in a drill motor and spin the oil pump. this is not applicable anymore but maybe someone makes a pressurized tank to flow oil thru an oil port (like an accusump)
how about a small pump on a hand drill and flow oil thru the sensor port?

Mar 17, 2004 | 09:36 AM

runamuk

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Re: Cam install question (Greg_E)

The service manual states that to prelube an engine thats been sitting for a while, you need to remove the small plug at the left front side of the block and pump 2 quarts of oil into this port. Now remember this plug will have metric threads so you'll have to find some type of adapter to screw in there to allow you to pump oil.

Mar 17, 2004 | 07:47 PM

Greg_E

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From: Middletown CT

Re: Cam install question (runamuk)

Good info. Thanks guys. :cheers:

Mar 20, 2004 | 06:09 PM

2KREDVert

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From: Bonita CA

Re: Cam install question (Greg_E)

Cam lobes and lifter faces are not lubed from the oil pump anyway so priming doesn't help in this area. They are splash fed by the rods throwing oil upward. Thats why it is important when you first start a rebuilt engine to run the RPMs over 2,000 for the first 20 minutes. Roller lifters need to seat too but not as critical as flat tappets. Use a prelube such as Redline especially for cams. Might be helpful to pull lifters and squirt some oil on the lobes if it is sitting for more than a year before start up. Mobil 1 is fine if you have only changed the cam. If you did new rings, etc. use Kendall non synthetic 30W to break in.