Cam install question - Downtime before first start??

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May 15, 2013 | 02:13 PM

Staffah

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Cam install question - Downtime before first start??

I installed my cam and valve springs over 2.5 weeks ago and before I could get everything back together I got called away for work. So it hasn't been started to allow oil to circulate. I coated the cam with synthetic oil before installing but am concerned about the duration the engine has been down. After this downtime should there be enough of an oil film to start the car without causing bearing damage? I am thinking this would be equivalent to the stock cam sitting weeks but maybe wrong. Sorry, for weak sauce question but I don't want to risk the investment.

I have an accusump that I was going to prime the engine with prior to start if it makes any difference.

Thanks

May 15, 2013 | 06:39 PM

realcanuk

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St. Jude Donor '13

Personally I would have used assembly lube and not oil. If I was in you position now I would prime the engine thoroughly before starting, just to be safe.

May 15, 2013 | 06:54 PM

Staffah

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I followed the LS1Howto document which used regular oil. I leaning more and more towards tearing back into the engine which sucks.

May 15, 2013 | 07:02 PM

s1ckls3

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I always un plug the coil packs and just let it turn over. My car sometimes sits for months at a time. You will be fine.

May 15, 2013 | 08:20 PM

Motorhead-47

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Just push the accelerator to the floor and hit the starter until oil pressure shows on the gauge. The engine will not start with the pedal on the floor. You'll be fine.

May 15, 2013 | 10:29 PM

realcanuk

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St. Jude Donor '13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motorhead-47

Just push the accelerator to the floor and hit the starter until oil pressure shows on the gauge. The engine will not start with the pedal on the floor. You'll be fine.

I'd use assembly lube next time but wouldn't tear it apart again at this point.

May 15, 2013 | 11:38 PM

meanjoe

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From: Houston TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by realcanuk

Personally I would have used assembly lube and not oil. If I was in you position now I would prime the engine thoroughly before starting, just to be safe.

Your not supposed to use assembly lube on roller lifters/cams
Oil coat only

Assembly lube is required on flat tappet cams.

May 15, 2013 | 11:44 PM

realcanuk

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From: Montreal

St. Jude Donor '13

Quote:

Originally Posted by meanjoe

Your not supposed to use assembly lube on roller lifters/cams
Oil coat only

Assembly lube is required on flat tappet cams.

Comp cams recommends assembly lube and specifically not to use synthetic oil during break in.
They could be wrong but I went by their recommendation on my install.