just wondering what the experts think on assembly lube and what to use on flat tappet cams on assembly? in the past i always just used 20-50 motor oil on all the bearings. i always figured that if i prime the oil pump it is just going to wash off the assembly lube anyway. for the cam i just used what came with the cam. i always wondered if to much cam lube or assembly lube would make it more difficult for rings to seat? i have never had an issue the way i done things in the past but with all the new oils out and being hard on flat tappet cams i was just wondering what advice you guys have done building your engines. i like to do what has always worked for me but not sure that is good enough now.

i am being told i should use lubriplate white grease on the bearings?

what about Brad Pen brake in oil?

cam lube?

i think this jetfire engine may be my last ever engine build with a flat cam.

 

i used lubriplate on the rod and mains then i used the green lucas stuff in the small bottle for the cam and lifters i cover the lobes then i put a big dallop on the lifters and install. I use 15w40 rotella with a bottle of lucas zddp additive. I have broken in 3 engines like this and zero flat cams.

 

That's what we were taught in auto shop.

40+ years ago.

I would think there would be better stuff now days. Or at least more expensive stuff that someone want's to convince us is better.

 

Lubriplate is still great. I use it on bearings. For the cam I use thicker stuff.

 

I went with joe gibbs break in oil .

 

I also used Joe Gibbs break in oil, Good Stuff!

 

i use lubriplate white grease on pretty much everything, except the piston rings, just plain oil on the rings & cylinders!! all the fancy new assembly lubes are cool and all but they don't really do anything that that lubriplate and common oil do, especially if you prime you oil pump. admittedly there are scenarios where the fancy new lubes might bring more to the table... say for instance you have trouble getting an engine to fire and you have to crank the crap out of it... then again if you primed the oil pump thats a moot point.