cam lube?
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: pittsburgh,pa
cam lube?
I replaced the head gaskets on my 390. The motor has been sitting for quite awhile and I noticed the cam is dry. What is the best way to lube it up before I start the engine. It is still in the block and I don't plan on remoivng it. I cleaned the lifters abd the all the holes they go into. I know it can't be good for the can to be dry like it is. I was thinking of getting some cam lube and placing it on the lobes or some thick oil additive like Lucas. Anyone have any suggestions of what to use?
Thanks Jason
Thanks Jason
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Joined: May 2003
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From: south louisiana
Just prime the oil system using a drill, socket and extension on the oil pump drive before you stab the distributor back in. Even if you don't do that, the oil you pour into the valve covers will flood the lifter valley and onto the cam on it's way back to the oil pan. No lube on a new cam is one thing, but once it's broken in, it's not an issue. I usually pour the fresh oil back into motor before replacing the intake. Just pour it all over the lifters in the valley. You'll essentially do the same thing, pouring it down thru the heads, and around the pushrods on an FE without the valve covers in place.
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From: Charlotte
You can also pull the dizzy cap and plugs, after filling full of oil (I like Kendall 20-50 for break in) and crank for 15-20 seconds. Put the plugs in, leave the cap off, and repeat. Then check for leaks, fire her up. That is what the Steve Christ book says to do and worked for me.
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put alittle KY on it and it'll move friction free. oh wait thats a different subject, if it been sitting a good while id prime it using the drill and oil pump method the lobes will get there oil when you fill it up.
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From: pittsburgh,pa
Thanks for the advice. I will prime it like you said, and probably pour a few quarts over it before I put the lifters in. Then I will add the rest of the oil through the heads. As for the cylinders I have been lightly coating them with oil to and turning the engine by hand, I did add some oil over the cam also when doing this. So hopefully everything will go well.
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JBronco
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Feb 8, 2005 08:25 PM
