Seasoning a used cam.....

[2eighTZ4me]

I have a Racer Brown cam (springs, retainers, etc.) that came off a running car. Lobes look ok. I have a set of factory rockers that were reconditioned by Delta Cams. Most of what I have read about seasoning a cam has to do with a new cam or a regrind - not one that's been run in another head.

 

What steps should I follow to make sure this guy gets broken in properly? I am going to use Valvoline VR1 oil with ZDDP for the initial run for sure.

Do I need to run it at 2K RPM's for 30 min. as one normally does for a new cam?

[JMortensen]

That is supposed to work harden a cam. It's not normally done on an L series cam, it's more of a V8 thing, and it wouldn't be necessary if the cam was already used.

[woldson]

Question:

 

If you get a cam, used, and the rocker are yours, what then? (and why, if I may be so bold to ask.)

[JMortensen]

That one has been an area of contention for a long time. Some people say you need new rockers. Some say you can resurface the rockers. Some say you can run the old rockers. It's a long standing debate. My take is that you can use the old rockers. My rockers are on their 3rd camshaft, no problems.

[Careless]

It wouldn't hurt to just lightly sand the rocker contact face with some 1000 to get it back to a shine.

 

Some also use the older Rotella T oil that is still available if you look hard. It contains a lot of lead too apparently, and is a common SBC break in oil