Crane Cams' website has some pretty specific advice for breaking in a cam.
See below.
Best--Michael Oritt
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"NOTE: Do not use synthetic oil during the break-in period. It is not
recommended to use any type of oil restrictors to the lifter galley, or use
windage
trays, baffles,or plug any oil return holes in the valley. Oil has a
two-fold purpose, not only to lubricate, but to draw the heat away from
whatever it
comes in contact with. The cam needs oil splash from the crankcase, and oil
run-back from the top of the engine to help draw the heat away. Without this
oil flow, all the heat generated at the cam is transferred to the lifter,
which can contribute to it's early demise.
B) Correct break-in procedure.
After the correct break-in lubricant is applied to the cam and lifters, fill
the crankcase with fresh non-synthetic oil. Prime the oil system with a
priming tool and an electric drill so that all oil passages and the oil filter
are full of oil. Pre-set the ignition timing and prime the fuel system. Fill
the cooling system. Start the engine. The engine should start quickly and run
between 1500 and 3000 rpm.
If the engine will not start, don't continue to crank for long periods, as
that is very detrimental to the life of the cam. Check for the cause and
correct. The engine should quickly start and be run between 1500 to 3000 rpm.
Vary
the rpm up and down in this rpm range during the first 15 to 20 minutes, (do
not run the engine at a steady rpm). During this break-in time, verify that
the pushrods are rotating, as this will show that the lifters are also
rotating. If the lifters don't rotate, the cam lobe and lifter will fail.
Sometimes
you may need to help spin the pushrod to start the rotation process during
this break-in procedure."
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