Engine Assembly Lubricant

PurpleT3 Fahrvergnugen

880 posts · joined Apr 2003 · 26 Jun 2006, 12:13 pm

#505063

What lube do people use when assembling engines, brand, type etc.

Any definite no nos?

Ain't nothin' like the wind in your hair.

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 26 Jun 2006, 12:18 pm

#505064

Use the same oil as you are going to use in the engine when its running

Cheap, easy, no fuss do spare it either as you assemble check that every component mooves under its own weight or spins freely

I always used this method with no problems

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

HotRodMatt If it\'s old or rare - cut it!

3,616 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 26 Jun 2006, 12:19 pm

#505065

I've seen one engine come in for line boring. They had prelubed with PERMATEX.

After laughing for half an hour, that shit was everywhere. Had been brushed right into to journals, bearings coated, everything!

They flat towed the car after wondering why it wouldn't turn over...

Don't do that!

71EJVan Officially Full-On Dubber

352 posts · joined Aug 2005 · 26 Jun 2006, 2:26 pm

#505115

STP

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PurpleT3 Fahrvergnugen

880 posts · joined Apr 2003 · 26 Jun 2006, 3:17 pm

#505131

All the books refer to using "assembly lubricant" on main, big end, cam bearings etc during assembly. I think they mention lithium grease at one stage.

So you reckon just use normal motor oil rather than grease?

Ain't nothin' like the wind in your hair.

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 26 Jun 2006, 5:56 pm

#505163

Yep thats what ive used with NO probs

I know there is some fancy compounds out there and if your building a brand new engine then a thin running in oil should be used .... for a few hunderd Klms as it tends to spread easier

Have a look at the fancy stuff ( theres probally 50 differentr brands )
but plent of plain oil and making sure nuthing is tight has done me for ages

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

Menangler Custom Title Time!

1,991 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 26 Jun 2006, 6:17 pm

#505183

I just use engine oil too, never had a problem, just make sure you spin the engine over on the starter with the plugs out untill the oil light goes out

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Chewy Fahrvergnugen

889 posts · joined Jul 2004 · 26 Jun 2006, 6:18 pm

#505186

Plain oil would be good but you would want to run the engine soon after otherwise the oil may drain from all those vital parts.
If it gonna sit for a while id use moly grease and oil

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toplessbug Fahrvergnugen

879 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 26 Jun 2006, 7:30 pm

#505217

there are heaps of pre assembly lubes out there ,they are all based on moly so make your own ,oil and graphite mix ,slop it on stick it together and away you go ,just make sure you change the oil a couple of times in the first few hours

Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.

type3lover in the garage...

796 posts · joined Feb 2005 · 27 Jun 2006, 5:42 pm

#505531

I agree with VW54 completely on this.
Assembly lube is not necessary, however some cam and lifter combo's supply a prelube which should be used so you don't void the warranty if there is a problem.
You'd possibly do better to put the extra $$ to more oil changes in the first few hundred K's of the engine's life. There is nothing wrong with changing oil after initial start and run, then 100km, 300km and 1000km. Include filter changes if you have one.
Cheers, T :thumb

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Stanley I guess the reward is in the doing of it

4,523 posts · joined Mar 2003 · 27 Jun 2006, 7:37 pm

#505581

I was told by a wise old engine builder to use a mixture of oil and stp wheh assembling the parts. The stp adds a bit of stickyness to the oil which helps it during the first vital seconds during start up.