Rotella T for cam breakin

[MrBill66]

Comp Cams has put out a tech service bulletin concerning the increasing events of cam lobe failure in recent times. Part of their analysis of the failures is that the forced reduction of magnesium and zinc in modern oils has reduced the lubricity of the new oils. (Modern engines use roller cams) They recomend the use of Rotella T for cam breakin claiming that the diesel or HDEO's contain higher concentrations of these elements resulting in increased scuff protection for the cam lobes. I would appreciate any comments on this subject.

 

[Steve S]

yes, add a can of general motors EOS "engine oil supplement ,and follow the break in instructions of the cam maker and good luck.

 

[Drew99GT]

Likely it's not an issue with OE engine configurations, even higher performance engines such as the S2000 etc. (that still use non-roller setups). For an aftermarket performance engine with high rpm and very stiff valvesprings, then I'd agree that a high zinc oil is a necessity.

 

[427Z06]

GM Engine Oil Supplement and a PCMO would probably do the trick.

Rotella T (or other HDEOs) would be good after cam breakin'. I'd still limit OCIs to 3K/3Months for a flat tappet high performance cam/springs engine because of ZDDP depletion.

 

[MrBill66]

It's a 496 cu.in big block mopar engine I'm building. It will have a high lift rate cam with enough spring to turn 7000 rpm. Hence my concern. I'd like to go with a roller, but I'd rahter spend the money elsewhere. I'll be using a 15w40 HDEO in it all the time as it has rather generous clearances.

 

[JohnBrowning]

I have been makeing a simalar recomendation now for well over two year! Rotella,Delo,Delvac etc.... will all do a great job.


P.S. Useing a good assebly lube will also go a long way in preventing issues. I like to use Redlines assembly lube but all of your major cam manufactures sell an assembly lube. Erson wich is an el cheap-o cam supplier actual gives you a small tub of assembly lube with each cam!

 

[KW]

Erson Cams are el cheapo? They have cut me a few very good cams in the past. In fact I was looking at getting them to cut one for a Cadillac 500 project I got going at the moment.

For the first 20 minutes or so I like to run a motor on a cheap HD30 or 10W30 with a full bottle of GM EOS added to it.

 

[427Z06]

quote:

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Originally posted by KW:
...for a Cadillac 500 project I got going at the moment...

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Interesting. I had one of those many years ago.

 

[ebaker]

Use a full bottle of EOS with the rotella. Prime the oil pump with EOS. Use a moly based assembly lube on the cam lobes, then put straight EOS onto the cam lobes. You can also put straight EOS on the pistons, valve tips, etc.