Problems breaking in new cam

[Coyote Jack]

I got the MP 284/484 cam in tonight. I used Rotella-T, GM EOS and a new filter. I started it up and had it pegged at about 2300 rpm. I would hit the throttle up to 4000 every couple of minutes and back it off after 5 seconds. After 13 minutes my temp went to 230 and I had to shut it down. It proceded to puke out water for a few minutes. What I would like to know is. Was this long enough to break in the cam or do I have to start over? I know it will overheat again in my garage.

Jack

 

[Longgone]

Coyote you might try putting the car outside, opening the petcock on the radiator and let the garden hose run through (just enough so the fluids are equal)during your break in. Your cam should run at least 20 mins. straight at operating temp around 2 grand for a proper break in.

 

[388dart]

Racer Brown says you should go for at least 30 minute breakin @ ±2500rpm with short bursts as you have done. It can be 6-5minute runs or 3-10 minute, just so the breakin is a minimum of 30 minutes. Mine was done in 2 sessions an all is well.

 

[dusterdon]

with a small hydraulic cam like that what you have done is plenty. I don't think I've ever done it any longer and have never had a problem. Its ready to let her rip!

don

 

[moper]

I'd think it's fine. When you get the cooling issues fixed (sounds like it might have just been air bound, and needed a good "purge"...) try to give it a little more time before you start idling for days. The purpose for the rpms is to get enough oil flinging around in there to properly lube the lifter bases and cam lobes. That cam isnt too bad rate-of-lift wise, so I'll bet it's fine.

 

[triggerjay]

Putting a large fan in front of the car might keep things a little cooler!

Triggerjay

 

[Coyote Jack]

Thanks guy's! I was thinking that I would run it again for at least another 10 minutes. Although this a 484 cam I have 1.6 rockers that bring it up to .516 total lift. One thing I did notice is, I can hear the valve train. Not loud, you probably would not hear it with the hood closed, but I could hear it none the less. Is this normal?

Jack

 

[TimDart]

after fitting my comp cam & lifters I had rocker noise that only went away when i fitted adjustable rocker gear. Dont know why as the heads were brand new with all valve tips perefectly aligned.

 

[D-mailman]

CoyoteJack, I think you are ok too. The diesel oil with the supplement (EOS) was the best thing oil wise you could do. I use the very same break in oils. Have had zero problems with them. Next time, set up a fan directly in front of the radiator. Set it on something to blow right into the radiator, it will help. Hold rpm steady 2000/2500. 20/30 minutes. The time and rpm factor is also to finish 'in' the heat treat on the cam lobes. It 'allows' it to go in deeper. With the small block Mopar and the 284/.484 and 1.6 rockers you have exactly .501 lift @ the valve. That cam is an old one but a good power maker with the right amount of compression. Good luck and give us a heads up on your progress. Terry.