Fuel Pump Cam Lob is Toast

Hello All,

Adam you are right about the inferior cams installed by GM between 1978 until 1982 engines especially the Ca. 305 CI (GM did not get certification for the 350 in '80) as the lobes in #4and 5 went south in 65,000 - 70,000 mi. depending on the driver and their oil changing habits..My Vette was one that the lobes on 4&5 took a hike..The fuel pump problem was probably due to an inferior push rod or one that had a little bend in it that got worse..

Lube oil without ZDDP (zinc phosphate) is becoming a real serious problem to the point,when I finish a build,I give the customer a tutorial regarding the start up and running of the engine..It now has become a standard that when we order cams we get a notice or disclaimer from cam manufacture that an additive MUST be added to the start up procedure and the normal use of the engine..Some as in Comp Cams send a bottle of ZDDP with their cam along with the warning.. I also have the research done on the best of the best lube oil and have the results in file,however I will have to send to you by PM....It is a very good evaluation of the oils needed for the flat tappet cam/lifter engines
Below is the disclaimer and or advice I have giving to all the people that we build Auto and Marine engines we build...

To all have a great day..

Engine Start Up Procedure Regarding

Oil/Additive Usage in Flat Tappet Cam/Lifters

With the absence of lubricating chemical (ZDDP) in the present day

Oil from the oil companies available to consumer for typical oil changes,

It is highly recommended to add or use oil with the ZDDP available

In the oil you purchase. The Zinc Phosphate combination acts as a

Lubricating agent to reduce friction on the lobes and base of the lifters.

The EPA had mandated that these products (chemicals) be eliminated as it

Deteriorated the catalytic converter thereby increasing pollution.EPA

Sacrificed the metallic parts of the cam/lifters for the life of the converter.

The late model engines now have Roller Cams and Lifters and do not

Require the ZDDP,albeit I would recommend using the additive or buy

Oil with zinc phosphate available in the formulation.

To help identify the oil with ZDDP in the formulation, look for the

Round badge on the oil container that signifies API Service CI-4/SI

CI-4 Plus would also be indicated.

Be aware without the use of this type of additive or oil containing ZDDP during break in of cam/lifters along with normal operation of the engine would void the warranties you may have received from builder of the engine along with/cam/lifter manufactures.

Topic: Fuel Pump Cam Lob is Toast

in Forum: C3 Engines

Engine Start Up Procedure Regarding

Oil/Additive Usage in Flat Tappet Cam/Lifters

in Forum: C3 Engines