Initial lubrication

[340rt]

Hi , I'm ready to put my 340 together . My new cam comes with its own assembly lube.My question is what product do you guys use to prelube the rest of the engine components ( bearings, valves guides, etc.)? I've heard that plain oil has a tendency to drain off from coated components and does not provide the best protection during the initial break-in period. Thanks for your advise.

[dust]

The guys who built my shortblock used a red, auto trans fluid like stuff on the bearings, maybe someone here will have an idea of what that is ?

[racintracy]

I use a moly based engine assembly lube I buy at my local auto machine shop/auto supply store. Looks very similiar to the cam lube except it's red. I'm not sure what it might be basically the same thing but they tell me it's better for bearings and rings so I take their word for it. Always seems to work fine for me.

[bbeckwith]

I have some of the red (honey consistency) stuff from Crane Cams Assembly lube, as well as some from Clevite, and a bottle from Permatex, all have the exact same bottle, with different lables, and the lube all looks the same. I think they are all getting it from someone like Lucas, and repackaging it under their name. It has worked well for me.

[64dartwagon]

Way back when I was in school we mixed 85-90 gear oil and straight 50wt. And doused everything. The gear oil would cling, and the 50wt would protect. And always pre-lube before you take the engine off the stand to check for leaks and to check oil pressure. Rotate the crank 180 and lube again. Sometimes you find the small leaks this way.

[TK]

STP, oil treatment! Pour it on, let it run off the crank, it takes any dust with it.........true, dont believe me? Give it a shot. Then, it leaves a nice thick film for the bearing surfaces............
Do a experement. Take a 1 1/2" socket, roll it in the dirt, then, put it in a vice, put a rag underneath, and pour some STP on it till it's coated. Check back in fifteen minutes.

[usdart]

I have used Plain ole axle grease for years. Never had a problem no matter how long the engine sat up. I use the Mobil one lube, it is a redish color.

It was used on my current 360 in my Dart.

just my .02

[pjmopar]

I use Lubriplate

[Shaun]

The red stuff I use is Red Line Synthetic preassembly lube. I have never seen anything like it. I put it in between the rockers and shaft on my ole poly 318. Two weeks later,I took off the valve covers to adjust the lash and that danged stuff was all over still. Keep in mind the poly runs high oil pressure 50-70 recommended.
So if you use it(and I advise you do-it's good sh#!&%) a little dab'll do ya!
But who cares about 318 polys-it'll be for sale soon,gotta have 440 power!
Shaun

[TK]

But who cares about 318 polys-

ME!!!!!!!!!!!