camshaft assembly lube and break in oil

[kurt v]

there's a ton of it out there what are you engine builders using in your motors for first start up ? I'VE used STP and reg oil but those motors were just rebuilds of the old motor, never had a problem. This flathead is all new and i don't want any problems,

thanks kurt

[deuce_roadster]

In my opinion the critical parts during break in are the cam and lifters. I always use the recommended initial cam lube from the manufacturer on lobes and lifter bottoms. Many manufacturers make a "break in oil" for the first few hundred miles. The stiffer your valve springs the more critical it is. On my Brand X engines, I run them no slower then 1000 rpm with bursts higher for about 20 minutes before I let it idle.
I would think a stock flathead would be fine running with the specified cam lube, high performance, cam and lifter lube plus break in oil. This info is just from my experience, I am not a professional engine builder but have done lots of later engines and 7 flatheads. My 2 cents. (have never had rings that didn't seat)

[Ronnieroadster]

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The important detail is the lifter to cam assembly lube. If you use a lube made for that purpose you will be fine. For engine oil I always recommend a brand that has a good content of Zinc additive this helps greatly to protect the cam and lifter contact surfaces. The flathead valve train is extremally light and since the spring pressure is also light the possibility of a cam and lifter failure is pretty much non existent especially when the proper engine oil is being used.
The rings as mentioned above will break in fine under normal and hard use I find there's no need for any break in period for the engine.
Ronnieroadster.