C1 engine assembly question......
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,108
Likes: 4
From: Plano Texas
C1 engine assembly question......
I have just completed the assembly of my shortblock with the exception of the lifters, valve adjustment, and intake manifold. The cam was given a liberal coating of cam grease about 3 weeks ago, and I will apply the same moly grease to the bottom of the lifters and fuel pump rod just prior to installation and valve adjustment (this weekend). The engine will be installed this weekend, but the accessories, tranny, and exhaust system will go in over the next three weeks as time permits. The engine will not be complete and ready to fire until the first of May. I read somewhere that you shouldn't wait too long to fire the engine once the grease is installed on the camshaft lobes. Is this a problem, or am I OK with the time element?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,917
Likes: 13
From: NE Illinois IL
Just my humble opinion, but if you bought a crate engine that had been assembled X weeks/months before, would you disassemble it to re-lube the cam?
I would not, and therefore don't think this is an issue. Of course it is possible that the manufacturers of crate engines use a different lube, but even so I don't see a few weeks as a significant period of time for the assembly lube to deteriorate significantly.
Again, must my $.02
I would not, and therefore don't think this is an issue. Of course it is possible that the manufacturers of crate engines use a different lube, but even so I don't see a few weeks as a significant period of time for the assembly lube to deteriorate significantly.
Again, must my $.02
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
Not an issue - I've built them and had them sit for months before first-fire; just don't turn it over before then (wipes the lube off the cam). I set them at #1 TDC and leave them that way so they're at a good reference point for doing everything else before first-fire. 
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,108
Likes: 4
From: Plano Texas
Thanks for the help. I thought about the crate engine scenario, too. I just want all to go well when I hit the starter. John Z, I will be leaving the engine at No. 1 TDC as you recommended. Thanks again.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Don't set the valves until you are ready to fire it up. That way all the grease/assembly lube doen't get squeezed out.
I always pre oil a new engine with a dummy distributor and electric drill.
I always pre oil a new engine with a dummy distributor and electric drill.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 12
From: Pleasant Grove AL
Originally Posted by Coves4me
Thanks for the help. I thought about the crate engine scenario, too. I just want all to go well when I hit the starter. John Z, I will be leaving the engine at No. 1 TDC as you recommended. Thanks again.
Agree, but I leave them on #6 TDC so I can adjust the appropriate valves, turn 360* to #1 TDC, adjust valves, and then be ready to drop in the distributor. Saves having to turn the engine more than once.
