Flat cam opinions

I was not reading too deep. Just responding to your questions. I agree with the other part, but this is my first failure with Comp's parts. Just cleaned the pan. BOO HOO, lots of metal. Hopefully more is in the pan than the bearings. Also, guys w/Chevys, block off the bypass in the filter adapter so "ALL" oil gets filtered. Knock out the spring loaded deal and tap for 1/4 pipe

 

A chain is no stronger than it's weakest link. So, if you have killer lifters and a not so killer cam, the lifter trumps the cam and you have a bad result. The "base circle" has a small shiny spot on the very edge as if the "crown" went away immediately on the lifter, or there was none to begin with. Comp's sending me a new cam and some "Johnson" type lifters that they claim have more "crown" on em. I told them they should trash ALL the other lifters and package "those" as standard issue

 

HARDER THAN A WHORES HEART? LOVE IT !!!! RBG

I agree with a couple of the others, the cams heat treat was bad and thats the real story.
The company should just say we are really sorry and send ya out a new one. Over the years this has happened to me many times with different companies and brands. Many times the lobes just didnt get a good heat treat ot the lifter isnt exactly cut the right way. With a poor heat treat it only takes a second to wear one lobe down.

 

Take your new lifters and set them on flat glass to be sure there crowned when you get them outta comp.

 

Groucho did you ever get it back together?

 

Just found this discussion doing a search. I'm thinking I might have a cam going flat in my BB Chevy....short of doing an exploritory teardown, what symptoms might I expect from my engine with a flat cam? I have hyd lifters and don't have any noise from the valvetrain. The engine seems to run pretty smooth, not like any dead cylinders, but just seems lifeless. Problems are worst at low engine speeds.

 

You're probably just one of the "lucky" ones to get a bad cam or lifter - unfortunately not that unusual, helped along with the type of cam grinds and springs we are using nowadays. Sounds like you did all the right things (good oil - although I also use STP - a good source of zinc ). I also set a cold engine .004 tight with aluminum heads and .002 tight with iron heads- but that's not your problem. I'm like everyone else here - I hate flat tappet cams, although I use them a lot since Vintage racing frowns on roller tappets. Be sure to thoroughly clean oil system when you replace cam - there'll be a lot of crap in the engine !! And if you can, I'd go to a roller cam !!!