Camshaft breakin, new engine, lube-a-lifters

2443TT Fahrvergnugen

962 posts · joined Dec 2002 · 5 Nov 2006, 10:58 pm

#552682

Howdee,

I'm putting together my 2332 turbo engine again. This time with a set of new luba lifters from aircooled.net that have the full SLR hardening and re-surfaceing treatment done.

I was thinking about the cam breakin procedure. Normal practice is to hold the RPMs above 1500-1800rpm so the camshaft gets enough splash oil lubrication so that it runs in properly.

My question is, now that I have lube--a-lifters is this still necessary as they cam lobe gets direct librication from the lifter bore now...?

Or should I still do a normal break in, and get splash oiling plus lubrication from the lifters?

Cheers,

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 6 Nov 2006, 6:26 am

#552724

I would be still running in the normal way so as to be sure its right

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

dangerous 23 Windows of Awesome

5,901 posts · joined Jan 2005 · 6 Nov 2006, 8:32 am

#552750

I would normally hold RPMs between 2000 and 2500, never below 2000.
Also use only your outer springs for as long as possible.

This is super important, even with the lube a lobe lifters,
especially with a ratio rocker cam, and heavy springs.

westi wrote:That's mad Alan.

2443TT Fahrvergnugen

962 posts · joined Dec 2002 · 6 Nov 2006, 7:51 pm

#552953

The plan was to run the engine in again using just the outer springs, but they aren't exacly girly spring pressures either. The standard outers from the dual springs that come with the comp eliminator heads are still pretty serious. At a guess good for 6000 rpm by themselves.

Thanks for the info.

It just makes be nervous starting a new engine and holding its revs at 2500 for 15 minutes straight off the bat. There is so much to be checking on all at the same time, with monitoring afr's looking for oil leaks listening for noises etc. Plus that excitement of hearing your long coming project breathing fire once again.

I remember last time the engine went together and I started it without a muffler to do the cam break in... well that was an experience! flames occasionally blowing out the 2.5" turbo dump and loud! Can't wait to hear it again!

dangerous 23 Windows of Awesome

5,901 posts · joined Jan 2005 · 7 Nov 2006, 9:04 am

#553092

As long as the revs are above 2000 that will be fine.
Yeah, put a muffler on.

westi wrote:That's mad Alan.

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 8 Nov 2006, 6:57 am

#553415

I would be starting the engine and checking for oil pressure for the first min or so before you give it the revs take the tappet cover off and make sure the oil is at the tappets then shut down and fit the covers before starting again

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

dangerous 23 Windows of Awesome

5,901 posts · joined Jan 2005 · 10 Nov 2006, 8:18 am

#553989

With a new cam and lifters the engine must not be allowed to idle below 2000
for that first 15 to 20 mins. (I do four, 5 minute sessions).

Before ever firing the engine, I have primed the oil system with no spark plugs,
or rockers and pushrods, (so as NOT to wipe off the assembly lube).

Once I have oil pressure on the guage due to cranking, I lube up all the pushrods and rockers, and valves and stems (...everything!).

Then fire it up.

I then vary the revs between 2000 and 2500 for a five minute session,
(never allowing the engine to drop below 2000),

all the while, keeping the eagle eye on guages and engine for signs and information.

If you are not happy or worried, don't be afraid to shut it down and have a look.
Even if you inspect the engine and rockers after each 5 min session.

This may sound like over kill, but when you step up to the big springs and ratio rockers,
they need all the help they can get.

Plus you don't need to waste the money you have in those good parts!

[ Edited on 9-11-2006 by dangerous ]

westi wrote:That's mad Alan.

lugnuts Custom Title Time!

1,070 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 11 Nov 2006, 5:57 am

#554252

Thats why i bought ceramic lifters so i wouldnt hafta do the break in.:kiss

Dont listen to what they say,just watch what they do.Oh yeah ive NEVER finished anything ive started.:o

2443TT Fahrvergnugen

962 posts · joined Dec 2002 · 11 Nov 2006, 8:56 am

#554272

Well thanks for the feedback guys. The engine is still being bult at the moment. Cutting barrels to length today and with any luck fitting the heads too. Cheers, Ian

dangerous 23 Windows of Awesome

5,901 posts · joined Jan 2005 · 11 Nov 2006, 8:58 am

#554273

lugnuts wrote:Thats why i bought ceramic lifters so i wouldnt hafta do the break in.:kiss

The break-in proceedure is for the cam primarily.
So I would suggest that you still do it.

Unless your cam is ceramic too....

westi wrote:That's mad Alan.

lugnuts Custom Title Time!

1,070 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 12 Nov 2006, 10:51 pm

#554717

😁 thanks Dave,will do :thumb

Dont listen to what they say,just watch what they do.Oh yeah ive NEVER finished anything ive started.:o

Stanley I guess the reward is in the doing of it

4,523 posts · joined Mar 2003 · 13 Nov 2006, 8:05 am

#554766

Is this a normal break in procedure for all, or more due to using heavy valve springs and ratio rockers. Either way I'll follow it.
I hope to be starting the turbo in the not to distant future this is valuable info. Let us know how it all goes Ian.

Cheers