With all of the discussions everywhere and varying and conflicting info from all kinds of experts on ZDDP and flat-tappet cams, I'm curious as to who has wiped a cam lobe. Please state the cam, specs and spring pressure, along with approximate mileage, if known. Did you overdose on ZDDP? GSCA/Lunati SP4, 253°/266°, .550ish lift, 325/125 spring pressure, 3000 miles, no oil additives
I had a cam go bad at break in on my 350 in 2004. TA C113-110 lift .491/.494 duration @ .050 228/247, TA 1436 springs. I broke it exactly like the instructions said. Primed the oil pump, it fired right off and I used the supplied cam lube and used diesel oil that had about 1300 ppm ZDP.
Never in all the builds I've done since the mid-1980's: Buick, Olds, Chevy, Pontiac, Cadillac, Mopar & Ford. Maybe 75-100 engines or cam installs. Devon
I think you should include approx date of cam as I remember there were a bad batch in the late 90's TA 413, TA double valve springs (dont know pressure), TA 1.6 Roller Rockers, Johnson lifters - motor first fired in 1999 and retired in 2004 with approx 15,000 miles on it (and a glove box full of time slips) Mobil 1 10w30 / AC Delco filter used extensively Cam was special-ordered from TA in late 1998 with lobe center changed to 118*
So Alan, What kind of oil do you run now? What weight do you run? I am running the Delo400/Shell Rotella T, 15w40. But, I am thinking of switching to a synthetic oil, with the ZDDPPlus added. Just can't decide if it will be 10W30, or 10W40. Rod clearance is .0022 and .0021. My main clearance is .0018 and .0019. I am looking for suggestions, as I am going to make a switch and am not a machinist, or engine builder. Regards, John.
John, You can use too much ZDDP. I switched to Amsoil because of the info in this link. http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=138788&highlight=amsoil They seem to be addressing the problem better than anyone else.
Doug, Did you go with the 10W40 in the 455, like so thought, or the 5W30? Thanks for the response. Regards, John.
10W40 in the 455, 25psi hot idle, 70psi at 6000 rpm. 5W30 in the GN. I would really prefer to use a properly blended oil than try to concoct my own mix.
John - for now I'll continue to use the old/good rotella. I stocked up at Costco before the fomula switch and still have about 5x 1 gallon jugs left. After that, I plan on using a good 10w30 non-synth. and adding ZDDPplus. I change the oil about every 1000 miles ...
Thanks Alan. I assume the Rotella you are currently using, is the 15W40 variety? If so, I am doing the same, was hoping the 10W30 would be o.k.? Regards, John.
Last year a cam lobe went flat on a GSCA Hemi Killer - Lunati cam I had in my GSX. I was using Mobil 1 and it happened while driving suddenly, out of the blue. It only had maybe 15k or less on it. EOS with every oil change from now on and I'm using dinosaur oil again. Paul
Didn't quite understand the slang dinosaur I'm assuming non-synthetic, carbon based oil? What's EOS? Who's carbon based oil?
