Lessons learned from Motor Oil Wear Testing
04-02-2012, 12:14 PM
#21
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Aug 2008
Location: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
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My supposition {and I will clearly state that it is only my supposition} is that the problem of wiping cam lobes lies with the cam manufacturers who are using poor quality steel and or poor quality heat treating of that steel. I highly doubt that the oil is the deciding factor in this whole 'boondoggle'. [...just sayin'....] 
04-02-2012, 12:52 PM
#22
Le Mans Master
For a flat-tappet cam, the fore-and aft movement isn't what I'd call a precision fit...someone would have to massively screw up the rear cam plug install to cause an issue, and there really isn't a lot of room to leave it too far out. I wouldn't personally see any need to test lifter rotation - I never have.
I wouldn't personally see an issue transplanting a used cam and lifters together, and wouldn't see the need to "match" the lifters to the same bore. That being said, I haven't done it.
Last edited by billla; 04-02-2012 at 12:59 PM.
04-03-2012, 08:59 AM
#23
Race Director
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Location: Corsicana, Tx
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I always *spin test* flat tappets also to make sure they turn. Plus I mic bores and lifters. Lots of stuff can get you messed up in valvetrains.
For sure the older design lobes are more forgiving. But there were *crazy* lobes back then too...and they didn't last too long. But to win races you used them. Not a lot has changed.
NASCAR cam cores are welded on each lobe. That's a several thousand dollar cam package and nothing like normal folks would use.
Some oils DO cling well after sitting around for a long time. Brad Penn is one of them.
JIM
For sure the older design lobes are more forgiving. But there were *crazy* lobes back then too...and they didn't last too long. But to win races you used them. Not a lot has changed.
NASCAR cam cores are welded on each lobe. That's a several thousand dollar cam package and nothing like normal folks would use.
Some oils DO cling well after sitting around for a long time. Brad Penn is one of them.
JIM
04-03-2012, 09:14 AM
#24
Thanks for some great information. This would have been helpful a few years ago when I destroyed a newly build AMC 360 in my Jeep due to non zinc oil.
One thing did pop at out at me, NON STREET LEGAL oil? Is there an oil police out there somewhere? HAHA Thanks again.
One thing did pop at out at me, NON STREET LEGAL oil? Is there an oil police out there somewhere? HAHA Thanks again.
04-03-2012, 07:46 PM
#25
Burning Brakes
540- i think your list needs to be turned into a sticky. You did some great testing of motor oils and how they performed against each other. This is a lot better than what the marketing gurus will try and tell/sell us.
