What's required for Solid Cam Maint'ce?

**Crunchy_NuT** · 03-07-2009 03:33 PM

rather a dumb question for the ones in the know, but something i've always wondered about due to never having used one or had any experience with them...

When running a solid cam, i have heard that there is constant checking/re-gapping the rockers and can be a pain to keep them running right if you dont know what is going on

I'm just wondering if this is all that is required or is there alot of work to keep ontop of it all...maybe i'm just listening to the wrong people, or need to google a bit for some research before annoying people on these forums...BUT maybe i'm not the only one curious as to how they are kept running correctly etc etc

**pumba** · 03-07-2009 03:35 PM

I have always wondered this myself. I have heard it froma few people, but then i also know many people that run solid cams and have nothing bad to say about them.

**Crunchy_NuT** · 03-07-2009 03:51 PM

make a bit more power from solids fromt what i hear, so i do want to know the in's and outs about them

**76lxhatch** · 03-07-2009 04:40 PM

I have run a solid cam with adjustable roller rockers on my 308 for several years now, its quieter than the hydraulic ever was (due to always getting crummy lifters), and have never had to re-adjust them. Sometimes I check just in case when I'm fiddling with other things and they are never out.

**HG383PREM** · 03-07-2009 04:52 PM

I put a solid in mine after a hydraulic.

To me its not that much of a drama, set your clearances run it for awhile, check them again once everything has settled. Then periodically check them when you give it a service.

The note of the engine has changed in going to the solid, it sounds like it wants to go now. I'm still yet to take it for a blat.

I wish I had've put a solid in at the beginning, at least I know im getting what the cam is supposed to deliver.

The old cam
YouTube - The prem - she goes! HG Holden Premier 383 Stroker

The new cam
YouTube - Starting up the prem with the new cam.

**paulzig** · 03-07-2009 07:51 PM

If its a daily driver with a solid, I'd check every 6 months, or if its a street/strip car check it before you head to the track ...No big deal to do them anyway ...

Its not really a 'pain' per se, its just maintenance

**TRIKHQ** · 03-07-2009 08:01 PM

Had no problems with solids, have a good cam break in, change the oil when you are supposed and pending how much you drive or how hard you drive it, check everey 6 months or so. Run good oil with with the right zinc amount or add COMP CAMS additive .

**Crunchy_NuT** · 03-07-2009 08:56 PM

very interesting comments guys -- i thought it was a fortnightly task when driving solids

a simple regap of the lifters and a look over the valve-train and job's done yeah??

does the exact measurements for clearances come with solids??

**TRIKHQ** · 03-07-2009 09:01 PM

Originally Posted by Crunchy_NuT

very interesting comments guys -- i thought it was a fortnightly task when driving solids

a simple regap of the lifters and a look over the valve-train and job's done yeah??

does the exact measurements for clearances come with solids??

Yes, cam card should have clearances for you. good job to do when you have nothing to do on a Saturday arvo.

**Crunchy_NuT** · 03-07-2009 09:12 PM

Originally Posted by TRIKHQ

Yes, cam card should have clearances for you. good job to do when you have nothing to do on a Saturday arvo.

whey hey hey hey...sunday is recovery day

nah some good info here and it seems it's just a quick look over the valve train and a clearance chec away from running a solid cam, no big deal right?

could be a do-able thing --- a local drag car checks his clearances between every run, but we are talking 1200hp 6/71 solid cammed monster

**GRPABT1** · 03-07-2009 09:54 PM

It should be noted (trickHQ touched on it) that most oils these days don't have to right EP (extreme pressure) additives (zinc) to cope with solid flat tappet cams. Running oil without enough zinc can prematurely wear the cam lobes. Additives can be bought but there are some oils on the market that cater for cars requiring EP additives.

**REV308** · 03-07-2009 11:34 PM

In the old white torana big fella i checked the rockers every 6 months or when i could be bothered, and i gave it a hiding.
Checking them all the time is a wank, i had the biggest crane solid in my 308 in the chassis car and checked them every 2-3rd meeting.

**BENT 8** · 04-07-2009 01:38 AM

I guess it all depends on how agressive your cam is, my cam is a solid roller and is listed as 'competition only'. I checked it after 2 passes over the quarter then drove it on the street plenty and was only out a tiny bit after 12months of street and maybe 30 1/4mile passes spinning to 8000rpm every time.

Not every cam is equal so it really pays to check frequently to start with and then you can get a feel from then on. Dont belive the hype that they are a headache and its to much maitnance. Use rubber reusable gaskets and your set

**pro068** · 04-07-2009 02:27 PM

If I can do it, anybody can.
Just check them using the firing order sequence of your motor.

**MCEcomp** · 06-07-2009 03:44 PM

I have had customers go 3-4years and not check them probably 10000km and they dont seem to move much.
If they need constant adjustment them something is wearing away.
Checking them often can pick up on a problem before its too late.
I feel its more important with roller cams than flat tappets

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