Ok, this from Comp Cams was also found:
1.800.999.0853
www.compcams.com FAX 901.366.1807
Flat Tappet Camshafts
Recent changes in oil and engine technology are likely the cause of
premature camshaft failure; here’s what you can do to protect your engine!
Premature flat tappet camshaft failure has been an issue of late and not just with one brand or type of camshaft.
In almost every case, the hardness or the taper of the cam lobe is suspected, yet most of the time that is not the
problem. This growing trend is due to factors that are unrelated to camshaft manufacture or quality. Changes in
today's oil products and “advanced†internal engine design have contributed to a harsher environment for the
camshaft and a potential for failure during break-in. But there are several things you can do to turn the tide on
this discouraging trend.
Proper Camshaft Set-Up & Break-In
Proper flat tappet camshaft set-up and break-in, as any engine builder knows, are keys to how long a camshaft
will last, both short and long term. Making certain that the camshaft and lifters are properly lubricated will guarantee
that the camshaft and lifters are protected during the critical initial start-up of your newly-built engine.
COMP Cams® offers the right product for this job (Part #154), and it is available in several different size containers
for engine builder convenience. To further enhance this “relationship,†we strongly recommend the use of
COMP Cams® Camshaft Break-In Oil Additive (Part #159) during the break-in. While this additive was originally
developed specifically for break-in protection, subsequent testing has proven the durability benefits of its long
term use. This special blend of additives promotes proper break-in and protects against premature cam and lifter
failure by replacing some of the beneficial ingredients that the oil companies have been required to remove from
off-the-shelf oil. These specialized COMP Cams® lubricants are the best “insurance policy†you can buy and the
first step to avoiding durability problems with your new flat tappet camshaft.
Adequate Lubrication
Another major factor in the increase of flat tappet camshaft failure is your favorite brand of engine oil. Simply put,
today’s engine oil is just not the same as it used to be, thanks to ever tightening environmental regulations. The
EPA has done a great job in reducing emissions and the effects of some of the ingredients found in traditional oils;
however these changes to the oil have only made life tougher on your camshaft. The lubricity of the oil and specifically
the reduction of important additives such as zinc and manganese, which help break-in and overall camshaft
life, have been drastically reduced. In terms of oil selection, we recommend Shell Rotella T oil for the break-in
procedure. Most often used in diesel engine applications, this higher lubricity oil works in gasoline engines
as well.
4-10-06
Research & Development Dept.
TECH BULLETIN
1.800.999.0853
www.compcams.com FAX 901.366.1807
• Double check your camshaft and lifter set-up prior to the break-in process, and use an ample amount of the
supplied assembly lube on all lobes, distributor gear and the face of bottom of each lifter.
• Use high-lubricity engine oil such as Shell Rotella T oil to help during the break-in process and use COMP
Cams® Camshaft Break-In Oil Additive (Part #159).
• Use flat tappet lifters with cam face oiling provisions, such as COMP Cams® Part #800-16 (GM) or
#817-16 (Ford).
• Use a COMP Cams® Lifter Bore Grooving Tool (#5003) to increase oiling.
• 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.
Competition Cams, Inc.
3406 Democrat Road
Memphis, TN 38118
901.795.2400
. All the big rig truckers I know have Delo in their trucks, but I hear a lot of smaller diesel rig owners prefer Rotella. I cant imagine the difference between the two would be that great.
uke: 
