TheSamba.com :: View topic - Redline assembly lube

Tue Oct 05, 2010 2:57 am

Compared to engine oil as assembly lubricant, will the use of redline lube affect much the force needed to turn the engine?

While measuring clearances, never had any problems at trial assemblies (put it together over 20 times). Used oil to lube the bearings. Cam endplay and cam gear size were checked as well.

Final assembly with redline lube: after 15 ft lbs on the mains it's getting harder to turn over. It won't freeze totally. It's more like an excessive initial friction, then it turns easy, but not as easy as with engine oil. Took it all apart, measured clearances again, no mislocated bearings, used plastigauge for 2nd opinion - nothing suspicious found. Torqued it up, same thing happens.

I used liberal amounts of redline lube on every bearing surface, plus on the cam gear teeth. Haven't installed pistons or flywheel yet.

Could this be because of a thicker assembly lube, anyone with personal experience?

Tue Oct 05, 2010 3:52 am

I use STP for assembly lube. So It's about the same viscosity. Your motor will turn stiffer with this stuff.

But you should recheck your bearings to be sure they are on the pins. Just to be sure.

Tue Oct 05, 2010 3:56 am

On my last rebuild I used Permatex Ultra Slick assembly lube.

I had the same thing, dry run assembly no problem, final assembly with the lube and it was "difficult" to turn over. I took it apart twice mumbling about what could be wrong and nothing was. I being convinced it was the lube finished the assembly and have no problems at all. Started right up. It was kinda festive though for I had the RED assembly lube and then put in the GREEN Brad Penn 30 w oil.

I still wonder if this is "right" or if I should have used a thinner less clingy assembly lube like STP or simple white grease, but what is done is done. I always worry about that initial priming crank and early bearing damage happening before the pump circulates oil through the case.

Your call, I did go ahead with the tight rotation and it worked fine, I'm sure others may have experienced other wise. I'm also sure other's have opinions as well.

Good Luck

Dave

Tue Oct 05, 2010 7:22 am

I favor oil for assembly of most components, as I build by feel.

I've been working with a company on a really good assembly grease for some items like rockers/ shafts and etc but I still favor oil for the bottom end bearings.

Tue Oct 05, 2010 7:12 pm

We use Lucas assembly lube. There is an engine coming to the shop that was assembled by a hacker with the red "grease" assembly paste that will barely turn over and has no measurable end play. The owner is scared to death to fire it up.

RC

Sat Oct 23, 2010 1:18 pm

Some food for thought…

From GB800 Book of Instructions for GB188 Crankshafts & GB178 thru GB186 Gene Berg Forged Cranks states:

“NEVER NEVER NEVER use STP, grease, or assembly lube on the crankshaft or any bearing...understand that the oil must get THROUGH the bearing to properly lube and “cool” the crank/bearing.”

Has to do with bearing oil clearances that we try to set up so carefully in pre-assemblies than change it all by applying grease, etc. during final assembly; proper oil pressure and oil clearances around the bearings are lost.

Sat Oct 23, 2010 1:24 pm

RockCrusher Quote: We use Lucas assembly lube.

I use Lucas aseembly lube also, it has a zinc additive.

Sat Oct 23, 2010 1:59 pm

What is best depends on your MO.

Cheapskate-- 90wt gear oil, it's cheap and it's good for bearings and cams and valve guides and rockers.

Guy that builds engine super slow--Clevite bearing lube, it's for bearings and it stays put for months.

Pro- Regular oil. Also pressure-lube the engine before you first start it, that's probably the best way to go. No special bearing lube needed.

Sat Oct 23, 2010 3:48 pm

I use GM EOS if the engine is going to sit for some time, otherwise I use the same oil for assembly that the engine will be running on during it's
life.

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This thread has been locked in favor of this assembly lube topic:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=486485