COMP Cams Flat Tappet Camshaft Failures (Hydraulic & Solid/Mechanical) - Manual (Page 4)

COMP Cams®
3406 Democrat Rd. * Memphis, TN 38118
Phone: 1-800-999-0853 * Fax: (901) 366-1807
www.compcams.com
Part #255
Revised 5/4/12
If you have any questions concerning the break-in procedure, please contact one of our CAM
HELP® technical consultants toll free at 1-800-999-0853. We’ll be glad to help you with any
problems or questions you may have.
Six Steps To Increase Flat Tappet Camshaft Durability
1. Double check your camshaft and lifter set-up using COMP Cams® Lifter Centerline Tool
(0.842" diameter − Part #5019; 0.875" − Part #5020; 0.904" − Part #5021) prior to the break-
in process, and use an ample amount of the supplied assembly lube on all lobes, distributor
gear and the bottom face of each lifter. For more COMP Cams® Assembly Lube (Part #153)
call us at 1-800-999-0853.
2. Use flat tappet lifters with face oiling provisions, such as COMP Cams® Part #800-16 (GM)
or #817-16 (Ford). Always use high-quality, U.S.-built COMP Cams® lifters to make certain
you are receiving the best quality lifter you can buy. Avoid “brown bag” lifters.
3. Use a COMP Cams® Lifter Bore Grooving Tool (Part #5003 for GM engines; see catalog or
website for other engine makes) to increase oiling.
4. Nitride your new flat tappet cam to increase the case hardness and lobe surface lubricity;
available as an added service for any COMP Cams® flat tappet camshaft (COMP Cams®
Part #1-111-1).
5. Use high-lubricity, high-ZDDP COMP Cams® Break-In Oil (Part #1590 or #1591) to help
during the break-in process and while running or use COMP Cams® Camshaft Break-In Oil
Additive (Part #159).
6. Always remove inner valve springs from dual valve springs or use low load springs (110-120
lbs. seat load and 260-270 lbs. open load) in place of higher load springs during break-in. In
addition, COMP Cams® offers low ratio break-in rocker arms to give you an additional
measure of camshaft break-in protection.