3 cams ate up by my engine

[cameraman7d]

Hello... I would like some input into the reason why Cams burn up... I have had 3 cams in this engine... I have used various convention high ZDDP motors oils during break-in and after.. the last being VR-1... For the life of me i do not believe its the break-in procedure, or the type of oil im using... I believe it is either very cheap lifters, too high of spring pressure, or some bizarre problem with the block or head or combination of the two which has created this problem... Monday I will be speaking with the Motor Builder... the previous 2 cams they have never given a reason for them burning up... ill be interested to see if they do for this one... I am beyond fed up with this problem... I know its nothing I am doing wrong with the motor its a daily driver which i depend on so i do not drive it hard... Each time the motor has been out and sent back i have received the same block and head back... i know this because i have them stamped with my initials... I feel the problem is in the head because it continues to happen... I will be very surprised to see which exhaust valve it is.. im guessing 2 or 4 because each has burned out once before... I guess if anyone has an Idea please let me know...
Thanks,

Adam

[SilverXJ]

How about some details? What combo are you running? What valves springs, rockers, lifters, cam? Did you doa proper cam breakin as sopon as you first started it?

[jsawduste]

How about some details? What combo are you running? What valves springs, rockers, lifters, cam? Did you doa proper cam breakin as sopon as you first started it?

Sounds like your crystal ball is broken. Maybe break out the tarot cards........ :doh:

[Cheromaniac]

How about some details? What combo are you running? What valves springs, rockers, lifters, cam? Did you do a proper cam break-in as soon as you first started it?

I think he answered your last question with the statement:

I have used various convention high ZDDP motors oils during break-in and after.. the last being VR-1... For the life of me i do not believe its the break-in procedure, or the type of oil im using...

But I do agree that one or both of these are the likely reasons for the cam failures:

I believe it is either very cheap lifters, too high of spring pressure

I'm also interested to know which cam, lifters, and valve springs he used but in addition, whether the head/block were decked or the valve seats were reground. The lifter preload could have been too high unless he shimmed the rockers, used shorter pushrods, or used adjustable rockers to compensate.