Topic: How to I break in a NOS Camshaft? CB650 cam in my CB550.

[eworth]

Hey all,

Just bought a NOS CB650 camshaft (63hp) version.    Hope to install in the next week or two in my 77 CB550F.

Any particular oil or assembly lube I should be using  on the cam when installing?

Start up, how long do I run it?    What RPMs am I breaking in the camshaft at?

Any pointers would be appreciated.  First time I've ever done this.   Thanks in advance!!!

[Rigid]

I use lubriplate on initial assembly of valving components.  The break-in will not be critical but you will need to readjust the clearances fairly soon after running it to compensate for the "bedding in" of the parts that have not been in contact with each other before.  Like any break-in, vary your speed, insure oil is flowing freely by removing a cover and watching it gurgle out of the cam area, and no extreme temperatures due to lack of airflow or hard running.

[eworth]

Will do.  Thanks!!    I saw someone else mention Lubriplate.  Hope I can find it at my local NAPA or Oreilly's this week.
Thanks again.

[Grabcon]

What year CB650 is that cam for? I am looking to doing that mod to my kids CB550 this winter.

[thehammer]

in car engines, a high zinc oil additive should be used for about 1000 miles, but I'm not sure if its a good idea with a unit cycle engine considering the clutch plates . . . is lubriplate a high zinc oil?

[Frostyboy]

Initial run in procedures are somewhat critical for flat tappett cams in car engines, however SOHC4s run directly onto the rocker. As there is no cam follower that 'rotates' I'm not certain that the break in is all that critical. It's the rotation of the tappetts that is important with that sort of application.
Ensure that there is adequate installation lubrication & that oil pressure is present before firing it up & I don't think you'll experience any problem. The talk about running at around 2,000 rpm for 10-20 minutes may be critical to break in a cam with flat tappets, but I don't think it's that important for our Hondas, besides, that long sitting still may result in too much heat on an air cooled engine.
Cheers.

[dave500]

just ride it ,itll be ok,these cams dip the lobes in a little sump of there own,most automotive v8s get a lucky splash on the lobes that doesent happen at low rpm hence the holding a higher rpm to make sure they get lubed.