Rover V8 cam break in

shanecl · Post by **shanecl** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 7:52 pm

Hi folks,

Been reading up on all the posts about breaking n a new cam on a rover V8. I have a question

I've read that you cannot let the engine idle when breaking the cam in. My problem is., I am in the middle of rebuilding the engine and then going to wire it up with megasquirt. I have never done this before and don't know how many turns it'll take to start and even at that, is it ok to suddenly bring the newly rebuilt engine to 2k revs for 20 mins. What can I do. Thanks.

mgbv8 · Post by **mgbv8** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 8:54 pm

Dont panic mate!

Make sure the cam has plenty of arp lube or comp cams lube etc on the lobes. Make sure you have a bottle of comp cams hi zinc additive in the oil as well.

Initial cranking and low rpm warm up for a minute or so will not cause a problem.

Just make sure that the engine is ready to run for a minute or so and then be able to rev as required for the 10-20 mins in order to bed it in. So make sure you have the basic timing right. If you are not sure about engine temps while bedding in you could run with not thermostat fitted or at least make sure the cooling fans run all the time.

I normally let my new builds run a for a minute or two at low rpm while I look for leaks before I go into the bedding in procedure.

shanecl · Post by **shanecl** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 10:42 pm

mgbv8 wrote:Dont panic mate!.

lol

Everything has gone against me with this build I was thinking fecks sake here's another thing. It is efi, so as long as I have my wiring right should start after a few turns.

Thanks for the advice

ChrisJC · Post by **ChrisJC** » Tue Mar 18, 2014 6:54 pm

Personally it's overrated. I've never seen anything about running at high speed upon start in the Land Rover documentation. Nor is it in Haynes.

It is only the camshaft manufacturers that bang on about it.......

Chris.

crayefish · Post by **crayefish** » Tue Mar 18, 2014 8:48 pm

ChrisJC wrote:Personally it's overrated. I've never seen anything about running at high speed upon start in the Land Rover documentation. Nor is it in Haynes.

It is only the camshaft manufacturers that bang on about it.......

Chris.

Seems a few people say that! I am curious because some professional engine builders insist on it (not just cam manufacturers).

One day I wish someone would do a back to back test... two identical engines; one with a break in and one without. Both run for 10k miles and then see how the cam is!