Quote:
Originally Posted by rolling money pits
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If the cylinder walls are honed properly, with a multi-stage plateau and the proper grits, cross-hatch angles and surface finish for the rings being used, no other band aids are needed to make the rings seal properly. In general, the rings are seated in the first 1/2 hour of running, about the time it takes to also know if your flat tappet cam and lifters are going to live a long happy life.
At the school, we generally use 2 types of engine build lubricants during assembly. If the engine is going on the dyno in one or two weeks, we assemble with oil only. This makes checking rotating torque easier and more accurate during the build. Also, checking end play and other measurements are easier without thick lube taking up space. If the engine is being built for a restoration and it will sit for months up to a couple years, then we use the heavier assembly lube on bearings and such so a film will remain and not run off. The cam shafts on flat tappet applications, we use the molly type paste supplied by the cam companies or something like cam shield paste.
Ran a SBF on the dyno last night that the student had packed the oil pump with white lithium grease without our knowledge because "that's the way his dad" had always done it. After 45 minutes on the dyno and it's first oil change, we cut the filter open. It had a large amount of white lithium grease in the filter element. Didn't clog the entire filter up but it certainly didn't melt and mix in with the oil after all that run time. Lots of solids. No harm done to the the engine, but not necessary either IMO. Engine ran well, a 306 Cu IN engine, small hydraulic roller cam. 387 HP @ 6400 RPM 375 Ft. Lbs. @ 4900 RPM. Idled a little choppy at 900 RPM. Going in a 32 Ford Hot Rod. 2200 Lbs.