Thread: Cam break in gone bad

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Thanks for all your replies and condolences...
Every manufacturer has there own break in procedure and for warranty purposes I follow it to the letter. I used a zinc additive and moly on the tappets. Lunati recommends a straight w30 non-detergent oil as well. Ive broken in other cams the same way and never had a problem.
I never thought I would be going with a roller but I guess it only takes once. All the time, work and money that goes into a build just to lose it in 20 minutes made me think I would have been even just to go with the roller to begin with. I have to agree with Pat. It has to be more than just the oils. Every cam manufacturer is saying this problem is going through the roof. With the increase in cheap imported metals, companies trying to save money and environmentalist wanting more efficient engines who really knows. I mean would it really kill a company like Lunati/Holley to cut out flat tappets completely and sell only rollers and roller retros. They would save money on shelf space, maching labor, re-tooling time, blank billet cost's and a host of other things simply by cutting out their out dated and by comparison, least profitable cam, the flat tappet. Maybe I'm still a little PO'ed but I think there are more things at work here other then the oil.
30-A-Rider pm'ed me and told me about a bunch of different oils and their zinc and phosphorous ratings before I even did my start up. It made a lot of sense and maybe it would have saved my cam but I never knew I had the message until last night.... BTW, thanks for that article.
Pat, I'll give you a call in a bit. I appreciate the extra help and effort.

How would it work if the cam companies took responsiblity for the product they are selling. They don't have to sell crap.