Cleaned engine internals with brake cleaner - no lube?

[Ahheck01]

So during the head rebuild I used brake cleaner to clean off the valve ledges, lifters, and camshafts. Now they're clean, but bone dry. I feel like they should be lubed before I put the engine back together. Should they? If so, what should I use and how?

-Evan

[flyingjoe5]

Yes, Yes, Yes. Definently pre-lube the engine.

http://www.hastingsmfg.com/Service%20Tips/engine_prelubrication.htm

The best way is a pre-lubrication tank (like above) which will force oil under pressure to all parts before you start it up for the first time. This will prevent piston scuffing during the inital run, before the oil pump gets primed and pressureized.

Since thats not a feasible option for most. Lubricate everything with Sealed Power Engine prelube by Federal Mogul.

http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=700+400220+115+308952&autoview=sku


Hope that helps.

[onrails318]

yeah dude def. use assembly lube of some kind!!!!

[Ahheck01]

I have seafoam deep creep, which leaves a petroleum lube behind - should I use that?

[flyingjoe5]

I don't know too much about it, but it looks like a jack of all trades cleaner/lubricator. They don't say anything about using it for engine assembly prelube.
http://www.seafoamsales.com/deepCreepTech.htm

I mean it's probably better than nothing, but go spend the few bucks for a good assembly prelube like the Sealed power (yes, I know, it doesn't say it cleans guns, de-ices locks, and removes road tar) that are designed to do one thing well. I sure wouldn't want to see you have to do all that work again because of some bad scorring or galling.

[mdh]

I would definately not use Seafoam. You need a good assembly lube that is specifically made for engine, valvetrain assembly. You need to generously apply this to all the surfaces that contact moving parts (ie cam carriers, carrier caps, timing chains and sprockets, cam lobes, etc.). If you don't lube you will stand a pretty good chance of galling and destroying the cam carrier bearing surfaces and/or cam journals especially if the engine does not immediately fire up after assembly. Also, try to minimize the time between assembly lube application and starting the engine.

[CirrusSR22]

Please use a purpose-specific assembly lube. Why risk your engine in an attempt to save $5?