Looking for an ENGINE OIL recommendation for my cam

[pgtr]

I also have a Crower solid lifter cam in a Chevy SB built for performance. Anybody have any engine oils they'd care to recommend or any oils I should stay away from considering it's a solid lifter cam and it happens to be made by Crower?

 

[Steve S]

now days you will have to search for oil with alot of additives "zinc" as that is what protects the cam lobes and lifters . I would go with a petrolium racing oil or a heavy duty oil because you will change the oil after break in. Follow the crower instructions. After breakin go with an oil with alot of zinc.

 

[Michael SR]

this is a flat tappet cam? if yes, i'd consider running those pimpy lifters with the oiling hole in the center. it pressure feeds oil to the lifter/lobe interface.

i don't know why crower is against the use of synths. i would call and ask them directly, and see if it makes any sense.

the break-in will be very important, of course. are you planning to use lighter valvesprings for the break-in?

-michael

 

[TC]

"Looking for an ENGINE OIL recommendation for my cam."

"Cam"...Interesting slang! In the movies, they always joke about having plenty of hand lotion around, but I've never heard them joke about lubing one's "cam" with engine oil. An amusing twist...

"When using our Hydraulic or Hi-Rev Series camshafts, always use a quality detergent oil clearly labeled MS-DG. This is particularly important when using hydraulic lifters as detergent oil prevents the varnish build-up which can cause sticking in hydraulic lifters. Detergent oil is used in all new automobiles equipped with hydraulic lifters and is available at all service stations. With our Hi-Rev and Roller tappet camshafts, a racing grade of non-detergent oil is preferable because of its improved lubricating properties at high engine speeds."
http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:...195.pdf+camshaft+motor+oil+solid+lifter&hl=en

"Engine Oil: What Engine Oil and Lubricants should I use? Crane Cams does not recommend the use of synthetic oils during the initial break-in period for a new camshaft. Use a good quality grade of naturally formulated motor oil during this period. If you choose to use synthetic oil after the engine has been broken in, change the oil filter and follow the oil manufacturer's instructions. When using either regular oil or synthetic it is important to pick the weight oil that best matches your engine bearing clearances, the engine's operating temperature, and the climate the vehicle will be operating in. Use the oil manufacturer's recommendation to satisfy these conditions. Crane Cams offers lubricants to aid during the critical break-in procedure, and to prolong the engine's life."
http://www.cranecams.com/?show=faq&id=2

"Some OEMs require the use of special oil additives for camshaft break-in. Although this is not necessary with the proper use of Cam Guard, they can be added if desired. Other oil additives should not be added until after break-in is complete."
http://engineparts.com/motorhead/techstuff/caminstall.html

Chevron Supreme zinc content: 0.103%
Valvoline All-Climate zinc content: 0.105%
Valvoline VR-1 Racing zinc content: 0.137%
Chevron Delo 400 (mixed fleet) zinc content: 0.127-0.140%

 

[crossbow]

Note this thread...
http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=42;t=000736

On the Crower Cam's...debunking their claim of "not using synthetics".

The only reason they say not to use synthetics, is because their being paid by a company to do so. A company which is then listed in the oil they recommend.

Their own literature (as per the bobs thread) points out that synthetics are superior, and should be used.

 

[c_rossman]

Well the use of synthetic may prolong breakin, Causing the lifters not to turn in the bore(too slippery). This will cause the cam lobe to go flat in a very short period of time. You need some friction to spin the lifter.