Do you 'clean' a new cam before install?
Do you 'clean' a new cam before install? I haven't seen a thread like this before so I thought I would ask.
When you install a brand new cam, do you guys wipe it down with anything (mineral spirts) or do you just oil it up and throw it in right out of the box?
Bill
When you install a brand new cam, do you guys wipe it down with anything (mineral spirts) or do you just oil it up and throw it in right out of the box?
Bill
When I installed my cam, I wiped it off a little, mainly through the center though because I was afraid it had some crap in there. The outside was pretty clean now that I think about it. Then I just oiled her up and slide it in.
You can use non chlorinated brake cleaner, or wd40, or just about anything to clean it and get rid of and metal shavings. Just make sure to dump a good quart of oil over it to coat it well.
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I always use brake cleaner on mine, wipe dry with paper towels, then oil with the same oil I'm running in the motor (Mobile 1).
I'd be careful using any oil additives as a break-in lube. Some oil additives are terrible lubricants by themselves (STP for example). Just use regular engine oil, thicker the better so it stays on the cam longer until you start it for the first time.
I'd be careful using any oil additives as a break-in lube. Some oil additives are terrible lubricants by themselves (STP for example). Just use regular engine oil, thicker the better so it stays on the cam longer until you start it for the first time.
TECH Junkie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,987
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne, FL
It's a very good idea to clean any new part before installing it. Brake cleaner works fine, I have a small parts washer I use personally.
There's absolutely no need to use any kind of traditional moly based cam lube with a roller cam. An ample amount of motor oil is all you need.
There's absolutely no need to use any kind of traditional moly based cam lube with a roller cam. An ample amount of motor oil is all you need.
I used this tool I got from NAPA. It looks like a typical air blower but has a long rubber tube connected to it. You stick the tube in a cleaning solvent jug and connect your air hose to the sprayer. It mixes the solvent with the air and sprays. Worked great for getting inside the cam. I use it to clean all kinds of parts. It cost just a few dollars.
GeorgeC and I do the same thing if you don't probably nothing would happen, but why take the chance. You could get the one they didn't get all the metal shavings etc off of. $2 can of brake cleaner will give you piece of mind. Good luck!
TECH Addict
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,620
Likes: 0
From: Central, MA
Cleaned mine with WD40. Used a gun cleaning kit to clean the inside of the cam too - there was a lot of junk in there. The outside of the two cams were fine. Nothing came off on the rags I used on either cam.
Last edited by marc_w; Dec 16, 2004 at 08:31 AM.
Clean it lube it and stick it in........Oh wait we are talking about cams, opps.lol!!
Clean with ample amout of brake clean (love that stuff). Compressed air to blow it off. Then lube it up with some motor oil. Put in carefully and don't F'up the cam bearings.
Clean with ample amout of brake clean (love that stuff). Compressed air to blow it off. Then lube it up with some motor oil. Put in carefully and don't F'up the cam bearings.
