Engine assembly vs cam lube
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 1
From: Wylie TX
Engine assembly vs cam lube
I'm re-ringing my motor and I have completely torn it down and cleaned everything. I then installed the crank and used a white lithium assembly lube on the bearings. Then, I went on a vacation and layed tile in my kitchen/dining and bathrooms. About 1 month passed since I installed the crank and the engine was bagged the entire time.
Now I'm back to getting my engine together and I pulled a cap to see how it looked, and it was dry. It will probably be another 2 - 3 weeks before I fire up the motor, so I'm leery of using the assembly lube again for the crank.
In addition to the Comp Cams assembly lube, I also bought 4oz of camshaft lube. Should I just use this on the crank instead, or go find a different lube that has better storage properties?
Now I'm back to getting my engine together and I pulled a cap to see how it looked, and it was dry. It will probably be another 2 - 3 weeks before I fire up the motor, so I'm leery of using the assembly lube again for the crank.
In addition to the Comp Cams assembly lube, I also bought 4oz of camshaft lube. Should I just use this on the crank instead, or go find a different lube that has better storage properties?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
Originally Posted by Fevre
I use the cam lube on all the bearings as well as the cam, it clings so if there is time lag it will not run off or dry up.
I think as long as the bearings are lubed so no damage is done while turning the crank during assembly, you are OK.
Just as important is priming the engine. And/or at least filling the oil pump with Vaseline or some kind of thick grease. What that does is make it start pumping IMMEDIATELY when you hit the starter...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
The Torco brand MPZ assembly lube is one of the best on the market and full of Moly to help with the start-up (you should always pre-lube your engine but, many don't.) K-B pistons come packaged with MPZ lube and a local machine shop may make you a great deal on a spare tube. I used to assemble my engine with a mix of 30WT and STP back in the "dark ages" of the 1970's, the newer lubes work way better and have more "cling power" than STP but, STP is still better than Lithium grease in my playbook. The oil pump should be primed with a lube also when it goes into the motor.
