Slathering upon assembly

[hovel]

I didn't want to hijack the "sensible engine decision" thread. Two posters mentioned slathering the assembly with STP and the concept eludes me. I hope someone can enlighten me. I've never cared for STP as an assembly lube in the first place, I think there far better products for that task. If you ever get any quantity of that stuff in your oil, your clutch will let you know.

 

[Jim]

I think there far better products for that task.

Although I largely agree with that, I've used STP for engine buildup in the past. No more than you use, it's not really a problem with the clutch... at least that's been my experience.

 

[jetmechmarty]

I learned the trick from an A&P who built race engines on the side. His work was very popular and he remained very busy. I held the highest respect for him. He was putting some of the stuff together with STP. I've been doing ever since. If I had installed a new cam, etc., I probably would have chosen a proper assembly lube as I have done in the past. The STP seemed appropriate to me in my case. Time will tell.

 

[RustiePyles]

I've had the same bottle of Lucas assembly lube for about 15 years. I've built several engines with it and never had a problem.

 

[GLJ]

I use Clevite assembly lube on the everything in the head. It's good stuff.
On the pistons just good non-synthetic motor oil.

 

[jetmechmarty]

I've used the STP many times on V8 engines, because driving old junk is how I roll. Once upon a time I changed only the bump stick and lifters on a Chevy 305. I'm pretty sure I used the assembly lube provided with the cam. I'm sure that's what I would have done if provided. Otherwise, that STP stuff is some slippery snot!

 

[Jim]

This stuff has been my go to for ages. Cams, followers.... stuff like that. Everything else gets plain ol' motor oil.

 

[5twins]

I use that same stuff, have for years. I use it like Jim too, putting it mainly on the cam lobes, motor oil everywhere else. It's not that expensive and a tube lasts for years, and it's specifically made for this job. Why reinvent the wheel? I feel the same way about fork oil. I don't see the point of sticking ATF, motor oil, or whatever else in my forks when there's an actual product for it.

 

[cra-z1]

I also use the CRC assembly lube for everything other than the pistons.

 

[Jim]

We used it to build up aircraft engines. Hell, that's prolly 20 yrs old and still enough for 1 or 2 more engines. On the aircraft engines, we also put it on the main and rod bearings. They're plain bearings. It still lasts forever.