I am nearly ready to run a zetec engine having been stood for about 12 months since its last use.

I will do the usual stuff i.e. take plugs out , turn engine over until get oil pressure etc. However it has been suggested that coating the cams in cam lube (apparently very thick treacle like stuff) will greatly reduce the wear on the cams given that they are probably virtually dry of oil.

What do people think. I suspect the cam lube may affect the hydraulic lifters so could be a bad idea ?

thats for first time with a new cam,ive seen them lifters block up when the wrong oil is used,i,d remove the lid and use plain oil

I dont think the cams would be dry. Oil tends to stay on them ok.

As john says, just take cam cover off and pour a little oil over them.

Turn engine by hand (not cranking on key) will ensure a good movement of oil onto engine bits

I second that - take the plugs off and crank it over until you get something registering on the oil pressure gauge. If you haven't got a gauge, crank it over, remove the rocker cover and see if everything's covered in oil.

Worked for me!

David

thanks folks,

suspected the thick oil could block the hydraulic lifters. Just something someone said to me that kind of made sense. I'll take the cam cover off, pour normal engine oil over the cams, replace the cover and crank the engine over without the plugs in until I get oil pressure. Sound like I can't go far wrong doing this.

thanks