markssupra Posted April 28, 2014 Share Posted April 28, 2014 (edited) I've searched for more information on this subject on here and the internet and found different answers. I have a set of Mahle forged pistons to install, do I install them into clean dry bores or use some sort of lubrication? I found: JE recommends a light coat of assembly oil (Marvel Mystery Oil or similar) on the pistons’ skirt, rings and cylinder walls for initial installation and start up. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND USING SYNTHETIC OIL OR ANY AFTER MARKET OIL ADDITIVES until the rings have properly seated. Other sites I found say use WD40 or must be completely free of any oil etc. Edited April 28, 2014 by markssupra (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazzi Posted April 28, 2014 Share Posted April 28, 2014 I just used cheap engine oil. I wouldn't want to start a rebuilt engine without lubrication on the rings/cylinders. WD40 is too thin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darren_Whifbitz Posted April 28, 2014 Share Posted April 28, 2014 Thin smear of running in oil in bore will do it and some on the installation tool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
absz Posted April 28, 2014 Share Posted April 28, 2014 If your planning on building the engine and leaving it in storage for a few months or longer then use assembly lube,if not engine oil is fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T14PPA Posted April 28, 2014 Share Posted April 28, 2014 Normal engine oil is ok but id use assembley lube Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mk4Gaz Posted April 29, 2014 Share Posted April 29, 2014 Just normal cheap mineral oil on the cylinder walls mark, just to stop the rings being metal on metal I've got some Joe gibbs assembly lube here for the main and Crank bearings if you need some Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markssupra Posted April 29, 2014 Author Share Posted April 29, 2014 Thanks all The engine will be in storage for a while until its started so assembly lube it is then. Cheers Gaz, I do have a bottle of millers assembly lube, crank mains are already done mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted May 1, 2014 Share Posted May 1, 2014 Submerse the piston assemblies in new engine, allow to drip off, then fit. You can't have too much oil! Wet the bores with clean engine oil, too, and the inside of the ring compressor. If the piston won't tap down the bore with LIGHT taps, stop, or you'll break a ring or trap an oil control ring rail. It's an acquired art I am afraid. And yes, i have broken the odd ring on occasion, even after years of doing this. KNOWING something didn't feel or sound right is the difference between success and stripping the engine again when it has bad compression, smokes or whatever. Plus you can seriously damage a bore with a broken ring that you were not aware of and you fire the engine up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.