COMP Cams Camshaft Installation and Degreeing Procedure - Manual (Page 4)

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COMP Cams®
3406 Democrat Rd.
Memphis, TN 38118
Phone: (901) 795-2400 Fax: (901) 366-1807
www.compcams.com
Part #145
Revised 5/4/12
manner until all valves are adjusted. If the engine has nonadjustable rocker arms, a lifter
preload of .020” to .040” must be maintained. See “Non-Adjustable Rocker Arms” section for
proper preload instructions.
Mechanical (Solid) Flat Tappet and Solid Roller Camshafts: Follow the same adjustment
procedure. Instead of lifter pre-load, use the prescribed valve lash clearance found on the cam
specification card. If you have misplaced your cam spec card call COMP Cams® CAM
HELP® line at 1-800-999-0853 for the proper valve lash clearance. Mechanical valve lash
adjustment is recommended at every oil change.
12. It is very important to “fire” the engine as quickly as possible. The only lubrication that the
camshaft and lifters receive is from oil slung off of the crankshaft. First, be sure to use fresh
clean conventional SAE 30 or 40 wt. oil and a new filter. Fill the new oil filter with oil before
installing. This will allow the engine to achieve oil pressure immediately. Timing the engine
properly the first time will be necessary for the engine to start quickly. The following procedure
is simple and effective. Rotate the crankshaft in the normal direction of rotation until the
number one (1) cylinder is coming up on compression stroke. Align the timing mark on the
balancer/dampener to the recommended factory initial timing setting, making sure that both
valves on number one cylinder are closed. Install the distributor with the rotor pointing to the
number one plug wire on the cap. The engine should fire up as soon as it receives fuel.
Camshaft Break-in Procedure
Important: On hydraulic and solid (mechanical) flat tappet cams that require dual valve springs,
the inner spring must be removed during break-in. If you are using high load single valve
springs, you must use a lighter spring (110-120 lbs. seat load and 260-270 lbs. open load) for the
break-in period. This allows the lifters to establish rotation and develop a good wear pattern. As soon
as the engine fires, bring the rpm up to 2000 to 2500 during the first 30 minutes of operation. Slower
engine speeds will not supply the camshaft with an adequate amount of oil for the break-in period. The
engine rpm may be varied periodically between 2000 to 2500 to direct oil splash different areas of the
camshaft. After the 30 minute break-in period, change the oil and filter to be sure all contaminants and
break-in lube are remove from the engine. The inner valve springs can now be replaced.
If you do not understand any part of these instructions, especially the camshaft break-in procedure,
please contact one of our CAM HELP® technical consultants at 1-800-999-0853. We’ll be glad to help
you with any problems or questions you may have.
Checking Camshaft Endplay
Camshaft endplay refers to how much a roller cam is allowed to move front to back in the engine.
Endplay of .005” to .010” is required to eliminate the possibility of wear occurring as a result of
interference between the cam and other engine components. Excessive endplay is detrimental as the
cam will be misaligned to the lifter bores, causing the roller wheels on the lifters to run off the edge of
the lobes instead of on the center. Another important effect of camshaft endplay is that as the cam
moves back and forth, it advances and retards the ignition timing at the distributor gear.