Camshaft Bed-In Guide
CAMSHAFT BED IN GUIDE
August 2017
Order your cams online by part number
https://balancemotorsport.co.uk/camshafts/cat-cams
CAMSHAFT BED IN GUIDE
*NOTE CAT-CAMS DO NOT COME WITH BED IN SPECIFIC PRODUCT – SUGGEST USING A PRODUCT WITH HIGH Zinc & Phosphorus ABOVE 1500PPM*
- start the engine immediately raise revs up to a minimum of 2,500 rpm or more.
- other tip is to vary the engine speed throughout the initial 20-minute session to ensure that oil distribution is better but not dropping below 2500 rpm.
- Avoid API SM oil for break in- it has seen cam lobe failures in engines running aggressive flat-tappet hydraulic camshafts, oil should not be used without some kind of additive during the critical break-in period.
- Once the camshaft is fully broken in, the engine still needs sufficient anti-wear protection beyond what API SM and SN oils can provide.
- USE additional Zinc & Phosphorus additives
- Current API SM and SN oil limit Zinc & Phosphorus levels are around 790 ppm.
- For bedding in a new cam 1,500 ppm or above are appropriate, most specific bed in oils achieve that level.
- Once the engine is sufficiently broken in, speciality oils for flat-tappet camshafts need Zinc & Phosphorus levels of 1150ppm or higher are acceptable. A leading oil companies API SJ oil had Zinc & Phosphorus levels or around 1250ppm.
