Assembling with STP

[Step-down]

I'm getting close to start assembling a 59ab and a freind mentioned today about using STP on all the bearing , cam , pistons , cyclinder etc.
You guys approve ?

[JSeery]

That is something we did back in my racing days, but I really don't think it is a good idea. It forms a super slick surface that might interfere with the surfaces "seating in". I myself would not do it now, but built a lot of race engines that way in the past. We did a lot of things that seemed like a good idea at the time that I wouldn't dream of doing now!

[alanwoodieman]

built to many engines to count using STP or STP/oil mixture. but with advancements in assembly lubes using molidium disulphide or mollylube as it is known, I would go with about any of these for the bearings/cam lobes/gears and use just oil for the cylinders--only exception was if I was going to store the engine for a long time then I would use STP and oil for the cylinders. built a few diesels back in the navy with a squeeze bottle of molly lube and oil

[lafarm]

Assembly lube from NAPA is what I use think it would be a better choice than STP.

[deuce_roadster]

If you are going to use STP, mix it with whatever oil you use at least 50/50. The first flathead I built when I was 14, I used straight STP for assembly lube and my dad had to pull me up and down the county road to get the engine to turn over, once regular oil was circulated, the starter turned it over fine.
Personally, I think any modern oil by itself will work with no problems if you have moly lube on your cam and lifters.

[Kurt in NJ]

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I know a guy that used STP for assembly lube, sometimes he would have a rod bearing spin on startup----but he solved that by super glueing the inserts in

If the clearances are loose it probably won't matter

[GOSFAST]

Originally Posted by Step-down

I'm getting close to start assembling a 59ab and a freind mentioned today about using STP on all the bearing , cam , pistons , cyclinder etc.
You guys approve ?

We've always used Lubriplate #105 on ALL the brgs (rods, mains, and cam) and distributor gears, and "moly" lube on ALL flat-tappet lifters/cam lobes, and conventional oil for the pistons/rings, valves, and valve guides.

You definitely need the "moly" lube for breaking in the cam/lifters, nothing else works as well in this area! We NEVER use what any cam mfrs supply today with their new cams unless it is "moly".

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. Have never had a single can of "STP" in the shop in all my years in business. It is not needed in this industry.

[KiWinUS]

I'm with Gary all the way!!!

[corvette8n]

I have "assembly lube" I bought at NAPA not sure what's in it but it's used for everthing but the cam.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ

I know a guy that used STP for assembly lube, sometimes he would have a rod bearing spin on startup----but he solved that by super glueing the inserts in

And he thought that was a good solution???

[TJ]

STP does not flow when cold. Used it once on a motorcycle chain and flattened all the rollers in no time. Use what your local machine shop uses when they rebuild and assemble motors. I don't know any shops that have ever used STP on assembly.

[Big-Foot]

I use Lubriplate on all bearing surfaces, Cam Moly on cam lobes and lifter faces, 2 stroke oil on pistons and rings.
The 2 stroke oil is a trick learnt many years ago from one of my mentors by the name of Smokey Yunick. 2 stroke oil is formulated to burn without leaving carbon deposits and has great "cling" properties so if the engine sits for a while, you will still have coated cylinders and pistons.
I checked one engine I built and had in a crate in my shop for two years - cylinders were still coated.

[BABAR40]

I agree with Bigfoot.

[Bob-93021]

Big-Foot, Thanks. That is a great tip. Using the 2 stroke oil for lubing the pistons and rings makes perfect sense. I have a bunch of the stuff laying around since I now buy the pre-mixed fuel for my 2 stroke engines. Since I do not use them on a daily basis the pre-mix fuels cost more to operate but do not have ethanol in them - and can sit for months and start right up - Bob

[Big-Foot]

Pre-Mix Fuel - I guess I haven't heard of that before.. I presume you can get different ratios. Sorry for the thread hijack.
Hoping the tips provided above are helpful. Cam moly and Lubriplate can be purchased from almost any automotive specialty store.

[woodiewagon46]

Edelbrock makes a product called engine assembly lube, EB-1075 that can be used on all rotating parts. They also make a break in oil. I have used both in the past with no issues.

[3twinridges]

Spend a few extra bucks on a good quality assembly lube as others suggested. After the expense of machine work assembly lube is not a place I would cut a corner.

JB