Manx Club

I am about to assemble my long block. However It will probably be a few more weeks until I get all the parts to finish the top end and fire it up. Alot of tech articals say to use enigne oil like a 20w50 for assembly. I am affraid that if I use oil that it will dry off of everything while the long block sits. Would I be better off useing assembly lube on all my bearings and what not instead of useing oil like everyone is suggesting?? thanks

Jr, Oil doesnt dry in months, neither does assembly lube. If I were u I would go with assembly lube, it was made for that for a reason! If I would doubt about one or the other it would be about using oil for assembly, still I dont think it will makes a diference. The engine is going to sit for weeks not months or years so that 20w50 is fine. Peace of mind and what I would do if I was building my engine......buy a tube of assembly lube and forget it, move on to the other concerns that you'll have when putting it all together. Besides before cranking the engine it will be filled/primed with oil anyways and turned a few times by hand to make sure its smooth. wish I was at your stage of the build!

Why not just wait a few more weeks, then assemble the whole thing together when you have all the parts.

I had my engine built early in the buggy's building process. It sat in the corner wrapped up with the rocker arms removed for over a year before it was installed and fired up. I should have put dessicant plugs in, but didn't. The buggy has now been on the road for almost 4 years and 14,000 miles. No problems with the engine whatsoever. You should be fine!

I always use assembly lube being thicker then oil. With assembly lube you won't have to worry as much about the bulk of it migrating from critical areas before you start the engine. Make sure you preinstall all the bearings in the case the make sure the oil holes in the bearing match up with the oil passages in the bearing saddles of the case. Over the years I have come across several mismatched holes that would have been a huge problem if they were not caught. If you think it should be checked or looked at do it twice.

Many of the cam manufactureres require you use their assembly lube on lobes and lifters. I think assembly lube is very important on these areas.

use assembly grease. I use it on harley motors that sit for weeks befor they run and never have problems. :2cents:

This site offers a lot of tech information regarding building a 1915cc engine. http://www.chirco.com/enginetech/enginetechhome.htm

I've always used a 50/50 mix of oil and STP... ...and don't forget you've got to 'work harden' new camshafts by running at at least 3000 rpm or more for 1/2 hour after first fire-up...don't let 'em idle. Change the oil (and filter if fitted) after that.