390 Engine break-in
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: East Bend, Carolina, U.S
390 Engine break-in
The one thing that can surely be damaged even during the best start up and break in procedure is the cam. It isn't caused by the procedure or lack of lubrication nor is it always an indication you have a bad cam. It is caused by a lifter not able to spin in its bore. If a lifter becomes seized in its bore during the break in period then that particular cam lobe is almost certainly damaged. One little check before the engine is given a final go ahead for break in is to check for the lifters spinning as the engine is turned over by hand. If you watch for them and keep notes on the ones that you notice spinning around in their bores during two complete revolutions it should be easy to see where there is a problem. This isn't going to be detrimental to the engines assembly lube either. Of course it is easier to perform this test with the engine still on the stand.
The only exceptions to this are the roller lifter cams. The lifters for these cams don't spin in their bores.
The only exceptions to this are the roller lifter cams. The lifters for these cams don't spin in their bores.
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