Assembly lube question
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 234
From: Kentucky
Assembly lube question
I'm going to be starting a stage 2 on my bike in a couple of months. I have most of the parts in my possession but still need to pick up a few more things. One item is assembly lube. I will be slow with this project, I may finish the cam chest and then may not get the exhaust on until the next weekend. Overall I may have to spend two or three weekends getting the job done. I will need a assembly lube that will remain and not drip off or run away. I have no experience with assembly lubes, what would you recommend?
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 759
Likes: 936
From: Under the affluence of incahol.
Any good brand assembly lube will do what you want. That is what it is designed for. It is a thick goo that stays put until you start the engine.
And for what you are doing it is not even essential. It is primarily for surfaces that rub hard together, like flat tappets on the cam lobe. With roller tappets like a Harley, its use is moot. A bit of oil will do the job. And the needle roller bearings are best lubed up with a squirt of oil before assembly. Needle rollers don't really like thick lubricants. Same with the gears, sprockets, chains etc in the gearcase. Bit of oil is all they need.
I wouldn't sweat it too much. Whatever your local store has will work.
Personally, I mostly use oil or maybe a smear of black moly grease on things like bronze bushings.
And for what you are doing it is not even essential. It is primarily for surfaces that rub hard together, like flat tappets on the cam lobe. With roller tappets like a Harley, its use is moot. A bit of oil will do the job. And the needle roller bearings are best lubed up with a squirt of oil before assembly. Needle rollers don't really like thick lubricants. Same with the gears, sprockets, chains etc in the gearcase. Bit of oil is all they need.
I wouldn't sweat it too much. Whatever your local store has will work.
Personally, I mostly use oil or maybe a smear of black moly grease on things like bronze bushings.
Last edited by PeterB; Jan 5, 2023 at 10:00 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,125
Likes: 51,446
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Old sleeve bearing engines I used STP, older guys in here will know what that is. Harley engines good oil straight 50 wt motor oil.
I've used various commercial assembly lubes and haven't seen a bit of difference in the end results. Only time I do now is if it comes with the parts from the manufacturer.
I've used various commercial assembly lubes and haven't seen a bit of difference in the end results. Only time I do now is if it comes with the parts from the manufacturer.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 234
From: Kentucky
Old sleeve bearing engines I used STP, older guys in here will know what that is. Harley engines good oil straight 50 wt motor oil.
I've used various commercial assembly lubes and haven't seen a bit of difference in the end results. Only time I do now is if it comes with the parts from the manufacturer.
I've used various commercial assembly lubes and haven't seen a bit of difference in the end results. Only time I do now is if it comes with the parts from the manufacturer.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 659
Likes: 360
From: Sierra foothills
What I do
Anything in the cam chest - whatever motor oil you're using in the oil tank/pan
Rocker boxes - If new assembly, Torco assembly lube
Anything in the cam chest - whatever motor oil you're using in the oil tank/pan
Rocker boxes - If new assembly, Torco assembly lube
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Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,587
Likes: 8,411
From: Inland NW
Engine oil will work fine, I have built quite literally hundreds with Mobil Delvac 15w40, or Delo 400, and many have gone straight into storage with no ill effects after being put into service.
My personal stuff; straight 40 weight for years, and more recently Lucas Assembly Lube
You should be fine with just about any engine oil, or assembly lube that you find on the shelf.
My personal stuff; straight 40 weight for years, and more recently Lucas Assembly Lube
You should be fine with just about any engine oil, or assembly lube that you find on the shelf.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: Dubuque, IA
No wrong answers here but I've using this
forever with no reason to change.
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