COMP Cams Flat Tappet Camshaft Failures (Hydraulic & Solid/Mechanical) - Manual (Page 2)

COMP Cams®
3406 Democrat Rd. * Memphis, TN 38118
Phone: 1-800-999-0853 * Fax: (901) 366-1807
www.compcams.com
Part #255
Revised 5/4/12
break-in and long-term durability. Pro Plasma™ Nitriding is a patented process that uses pulsed
nitrogen plasma to infuse nitrogen ions into the part – strengthening and fortifying the material
on a molecular level, through a depth of approximately 0.010 of an inch. Once again, COMP
Cams® has proven their technological leadership by becoming the first aftermarket valve train
company to own and operate a Pro Plasma™ Nitriding service in-house.
Available for any COMP Cams® flat tappet camshaft, this customer-requested service (COMP
Cams® Part #1-111-1) has been proven to deliver unmatched wear resistance and uniform case
hardness. In addition, nitrided versions of the most popular flat tappet grinds from COMP
Cams® are now on the shelf and available for quick delivery.
Lubrication
Engine Oil Selection
Another major factor in the increase of flat tappet camshaft failure is your favorite brand of
engine oil. Simply put, today’s engine oil is just not the same as it used to be, thanks to ever
tightening environmental regulations. The EPA has done a great job in reducing emissions and
the effects of some of the ingredients found in traditional oils; however these changes in the oil
have only made life tougher on your flat tappet camshaft. The lubricity of the oil and specifically
the reduction of important anti-wear additives such as zinc and phosphorus, which help break-in
and overall camshaft life, have been drastically reduced. In terms of oil selection, we recommend
oil with the proper level of “ZDDP”, Zinc Dialkyl Dithiosphosphate additive fortification.
Recent market trends and misinformation have led to a new and adverse side effect known as
“Overloading on ZDDP”. When overloading on ZDDP, the additive can actually cause blocking
of other important additives, such as friction modifiers or detergent agents. It is imperative that
the ZDDP level is carefully specified and blended to correct concentrations.
Engine Oils, Supplements, & Additives
Making certain that the camshaft and lifters are properly lubricated upon installation will
guarantee that they are protected during the critical start-up of your newly-built engine. COMP
Cams® offers the right product for this job (COMP Cams® Part #153), and it is available in
several different size containers for engine builder convenience. COMP Cams® also has a line of
Break-In Oils (COMP Cams® Part #1590 [10w30] and #1591 [15w50]) which have a
proprietary formula that includes the proper amount of critical additives, including ZDDP (Zinc
& Phosphorus), Molybdenum, detergents and high grade base oil to give you the most optimum
oil for the break-in and long-term running of all your purposefully chosen performance engine
components. If you have a preferred oil with which you feel comfortable, we strongly
recommend the use of COMP Cams® Break-In Oil Additive (COMP Cams® Part #159) during
break-in. While this additive was originally developed specifically for break-in protection,