Flat tappet cam break in lube?

[Swamp Donkey]

I've always had roller engines, so this concerns me with the lack of ZDDP in today's oils. What are you guys using these days? There are countless threads on other sites arguing what works and what doesn't. Molybdenum based seems to be the way to go.

[shumpertdavid]

Joe Gibbs break in oil.

[Swamp Donkey]

Joe Gibbs break in oil.

I have this on hand for break in oil. But what about the cam lobes? I should have been more specific.

[racrguy]

I have this on hand for break in oil. But what about the cam lobes? I should have been more specific.

Lucas Oil assembly lube is what my engine builder uses, haven't flattened a cam yet. You can use Rotella T for the engine oil, they make it in more than 15-40. I run VR1 racing oil in my engine.

[ktm300hater]

Vr1 racing oil with a bottle of zinc additive is what I use

[cool cat]

I have this on hand for break in oil. But what about the cam lobes? I should have been more specific.

In addition to a quality break in oil, I used some Lucas brand assembly lube (i am pretty sure that's what it was), on each lobe and lifter. Worked fine on my solid flat tappet.

Most of the cam grinders sell their own brand as well, some even come with it, guess yours didn't.

[Swamp Donkey]

Lucas Oil assembly lube is what my engine builder uses, haven't flattened a cam yet. You can use Rotella T for the engine oil, they make it in more than 15-40. I run VR1 racing oil in my engine.

I was planing on using the Lucas assembly lube on the lobes. I have used Rotella T in the past for break in oil with no problems, but it's been a few years. I plan on running the VR1 after break in.

Vr1 racing oil with a bottle of zinc additive is what I use

A little extra zinc may not hurt. Although, I've read that too much can lead to more problems than none.

In addition to a quality break in oil, I used some Lucas brand assembly lube (i am pretty sure that's what it was), on each lobe and lifter. Worked fine on my solid flat tappet.

Most of the cam grinders sell their own brand as well, some even come with it, guess yours didn't.

It's a Melling cam, no lube came with it this time.

In the end this is just a little Ford 200 I6. I just don't want to have to yank it back out and spend another bill on a cam and lifters - most importantly, time wasted.

[ram57ta]

VR1 is what I've been using for over 10 years in my previous Trans Am and in my Grand National.

[racrguy]

I was planing on using the Lucas assembly lube on the lobes. I have used Rotella T in the past for break in oil with no problems, but it's been a few years. I plan on running the VR1 after break in.



A little extra zinc may not hurt. Although, I've read that too much can lead to more problems than none.



It's a Melling cam, no lube came with it this time.

In the end this is just a little Ford 200 I6. I just don't want to have to yank it back out and spend another bill on a cam and lifters - most importantly, time wasted.

Depending on your bearing clearances don't run 20-50.