Engine assembly lubricants - what to use?

[fairlaniac]

It's been since the 80's when I last completely assembled an engine (5.0's). I use to use Lubriplate, engine oil and the supplied cam lube. I see a few different approaches these days. Just curious what works well. Do people still dip their assembled pistons in a coffee can of oil before installing? I already have ARP lube for my bolts.

Thanks,

[GerryP]

I still use Lubriplate 105.  It flat out works and always has worked.  I fully expect to be criminally charged for my careless statements.

[Falcon67]

NO 105!  Use Lucas Assembly Lube.  Use 105 if you like to go in there later and find white junk all inside your engine.  I quit using that many, many years ago.  Lucas works well, sticks to parts better and doesn't leave any residue or debris after startup. 

>Do people still dip their assembled pistons in a coffee can of oil before installing?
I don't.  Clean the cylinders with WD-40, then re-clean them using ATF and lint free towels until no metal is picked up on the towel.  Put a couple of squirts of motor oil on the ring pack and rotate the ring pack to work it into the lands.  Set the top and second ring gaps 180 apart, then install.  No need to load the cylinders up with globs of oil. 

[Heo]

I'm not a big Engine builder but ...I have always used regular
engine oil as Assembly lube. Oiled the rings and piston skirts
sparingly  and Molybdendisulfid grease on the
cam and lifters primed the engine before first upstart have always
worked for me

[blykins]

Don't dunk.  Just coat the piston skirts and rings with a squirt of oil and rub around with your fingers. 

I use oil on the pistons/rings and I try to use a snotty assembly lube for the bearings that will stick and stay on for awhile, Lucas, Maxima, etc. 

[gt350hr]

Don't dunk.  Just coat the piston skirts and rings with a squirt of oil and rub around with your fingers. 

I use oil on the pistons/rings and I try to use a snotty assembly lube for the bearings that will stick and stay on for awhile, Lucas, Maxima, etc.

    +1 don't dunk! No need for excess oil behind the rings, it will only cause unwanted detonation on startup. Brent's method is what I use unless I plan on a start right after completion. Then I just prime it with the drill motor before firing.
   Randy

[67428GT500]

As per instructions from the ring manufacturer I used marvel on the rings and skirt. Scrubbed the block thoroughly and used WD40 in the bore.
This is the FIRST time I have ever had the rings seat during cam break in. I used Royal Purple assembly lube on everything but the cam.
Because of my dumped lifter tray I went old school and used Isky cam lube. I was LIBERAL with it ( The only thing I am liberal about)

I pulled the oil filter and cut it open after about an hour of run time. ( ran it without the inner spring and again with.)

The Isky Moly may have saved my posterior during the run in, but it sure does contaminate the filter element. 

[runthatjunk]

I Like the CRC Engine Assembly Lube

[shady]

Scientifically Treated Petroleum.

[Drew Pojedinec]

Because of my dumped lifter tray I went old school and used Isky cam lube. I was LIBERAL with it ( The only thing I am liberal about)

I now picture CaptKeith in a CheGuevara shirt, screaming that cam lube is a right and we shouldn't have to pay for it.

[Ford428CJ]

I have used the Permatex and the Lucas. Both good stuff. Gonna try the Royal Purple next.


https://photos.app.goo.gl/muyfdxL8Z9uEUPzX7

[Barry_R]

Oil for almost everything.
Very thin layer - just enough to provide a wetted surface.
Whatever special sauce is available on cam lobes.

Nothing gets assembled dry.
No special elixirs or magic powders
WD40 gets used on bare metal during storage or assembly, but as something of a preservative - not as a lube.

[CaptCobrajet]

Lubriplate here on the bearings.  Works, and has worked for years.......to quote GerryP.   

The leftovers do not inhibit ring seating.  Some of the swoopy new synthetic assembly lubes bother me.  I don't want anything "too slick" in those cylinders while the rings are getting comfortable. JMO.

[67428GT500]

Because of my dumped lifter tray I went old school and used Isky cam lube. I was LIBERAL with it ( The only thing I am liberal about)

I now picture CaptKeith in a CheGuevara shirt, screaming that cam lube is a right and we shouldn't have to pay for it.

It's such a right Summit Racing lightened my wallet 25.00 for it!    I now have enough to break in at least another six flat tappet cams.
Between the cam manufacturer and the lube It seems to have saved the cam.  I was elated to find no metal particles post break-in.
Who needs Che? We have AOC! lol ( Unfortunately)
                                                                                          -Keith
                                                                   

[fairlaniac]

Thank you all for your responses.