I think you are probably OK. The cam and bearings need lubrication mostly when the engine fires and comes up to RPM. If you applied initial lube to these parts you will be fine. If you are really concerned about it, you could fabricate a false distributor to drive the oil pump with a drill before you fire it off, but I do not think it is needed.

Vince

 

I once fired up a 351W in my Cougar I had. I put a cam in her with a 302 firing order but forgot to change the plug wire order when I put her back together. Well as soon as I saw flames out the headers I shut her down (so much for break-in) and fixed the firing order. I restarted her and that engine ran for years and is probably still running out there somewhere. Sometimes we luck out.

 

Really doubt you would hurt the cam since it starts then should be pumping oil to the lifters and cam if the oil pumps works the way it was designed. Tkes more running to hurt the cam since you prelubed it and that sticky oil stays on good.

 

It should be OK. If you let the engine set to long you can pre-oil the engine by removing the distributor and installing a pre-lube tool and bring the engine up to pressure then reinstall the distributor and start the engine.


Todd


Rat Rods Rule!

 

Deju vu all over again!

I went thru this exact same thing with my 331 about 3 weeks ago. We couldn't get fuel to the carb except to pour it in. I cranked more than I wanted to and was starting to get worried about the cam.

We solved the problem with new fuel pump (first one bad out of the box???) and she fired right up and ran like a champ. No damge due to the excessive cranking. :sweat:

I attribute this to a few things:

1. I primed the oiling system before start up. Had a good 70+ psi on the gauge.

2. I used Red Line Assembly Lube on the cam (bearings too!). And I was generous with it.

3. I also put in a pint of a GM ( ) product called EOS (Engine Oil Supplement).

If you've done a good job on your assembly and prep, I'd say you were ok and good to go.

 

No worries mate, most of your concern applies to heavy valve spring pressure and some poor cams coming out of Comp Cams (I have never had one thank the Lord). Fire her up and break-in the cam as per your included instructions and change the oil once your done.

She'll be just fine.

 

Thanks everybody. The cam break-in is done and it seemed to run just fine. Thanks again,

The Vandal