If you’re a vehicle owner, then you’ve surely gone through the pain of not getting the desired assembly lube for your vehicle’s engine! And how do I know that? Sigh!
After experimenting a lot with them, I’ve listed some of the best assembly lube for engines and decided to share it with the peeps in trouble.
In this guide, I’ve shared my opinions and experiences and also answered some of the questions in between to help your way out!
So what are the best assembly lube for your car engine? As Per our research we chose the Permatex Ultra Slick, Lucas Oil Assembly Lube and Red Line Liquid Assembly Lube are the best choice for your car engine.
So, let’s get started!
Best Assembly Lube for Engines:
In this section, I will deeply analyze my top picks of the most efficient and effective assembly lube for engines. These lubes are smoothly formulated for everlasting engines; let’s explore!
1. Permatex Ultra Slick Engine Assembly Lube:
If you’re looking for a suitable lubricant for your engine, then Permatex assembly lube is the ultimate solution! The lube has a fantastic adherence and works really well.
Adherence:
Adherence refers to the stickiness of any lubricant. As for the assembly lubes, they’re expected to cling with the components for a smooth start. Similarly, this oil is super slick, does not dry easily and, prevents the risk of galling. Hence, the metal surfaces remain shiny for longer.
Proper Lubrication:
Lube is meant to lubricate firmly every nook and corner. So, this lube oil lubricates well, which ensures the proper functionality of the components. The bearings can experience a friction-free rotation due to this oil. Most importantly, this lube increases the life span of the engine parts by supplying proper additives as well.
Slow Drying:
Surprisingly, this lube dries after a long time. The lube sticks to every portion coming in contact without forming sludge with a higher viscosity. Its slower drying time makes it the best assembly lube, in my opinion.
Cost Effective:
Every car owner wants their car to start off at once. They need assembly lubes that are often very costly without any extra accessibilities. So, this lube was worth the price.
Moreover, it works amazing irrespective of the cost. In a nutshell, it’s a must for your car’s betterment!
Pros:
- Slower drying time
- Highly adhesive
- Increases the longevity of the components
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Have to wear gloves while handling
2. Lucas Oil Assembly Lube:
This lube from Lucas oil highly compatible with all the lubricants. So you won’t have to experience dry starts anymore.
Semi-Synthetic:
The lube oil blended with mineral and synthetic oil is semi-synthetic. These are very affordable with the best performance. Higher viscosity than the mineral ones can keep the engine fit in extreme hot or cold temperatures. This lube oil also controls sludge formation through its essential additives.
Prevents Scuffing:
The engine components sometimes even burn off due to higher scuffing. Scuffing occurs due to the contact between two dry surfaces, commonly known as friction. So, to save the components from any sort of wear and scuff, the lube oil lubricates the components precisely.
Smooth Start:
The oil provides an exceptionally smooth start without noise or galling. The office goers term it as the best engine assembly lube for this reason. In addition, I’ve experienced zero noise acceleration even in winters by using this oil. So, it’s a beneficial deal to crack!
Highly Compatible:
Many assemblies lubes do not go with the engine oils. And it takes a lifetime to match the lubes with the engine oils. Hence, you can match this lube easily with any oil. These are suitable to use in camshafts, proving themselves as the best assembly lube. Besides, the composition of zinc and moly provides max protection.
Pros:
- Maximum wear protection
- Highly compatible
- Suitable for all temperatures
- Can be stored for long
Cons:
- Do not provide any protection from engine seizes
3. Red Line Liquid Assembly Lube (80319):
Red line assembly lube is a liquid lube that works as the medicine for most engine problems. Let’s know more!
Wear Protection:
The chemical composition of this lube does the magic! This liquid formula provides the necessary nutrient to the engine required to maintain it before any engine oil is used in it. The rebuilt engines will start robustly with this lube. The components do not face any wear as the lube’s additives are efficient at their work.
Increases Film Strength:
Oil breakdown is a common phenomenon resulting from oxidation. This lube has antioxidants, increasing the film strength simultaneously by saving the engine oil from oxidizing. It also lubricates the surfaces so well that the engine oil consumption is reduced.
Prevents Rusting:
It’s the best assembly lube for engine building as it totally prevents rusting. Firstly, the antioxidants do their job and secondly, the lubrication of the lube. As the metals remain well lubricated, rust can’t form, keeping the engine as same as before.
No Friction:
The lubes with higher viscous force prevent friction. The same is the case with this one. I’ll recommend it for the rebuild engines as those go through dry surfaces and frictions more frequently. Overall, I consider this one as the best assembly lube for engines, especially the rebuilt ones.
Pros:
- Prevents friction
- Inhibits rust formation
- Decreases film breakdown
- Ensures protection from wear
Cons:
- It can’t be used in exhaust bolts
4. COMP Cams Engine Assembly Lube:
There is no need to wear gloves while assembling your engine with COMP Cams assembly lube. Super easy to clean and also suitable for ball-sockets!
Easy to Clean:
Some assembly lubes seems like tar to me. Those can’t be washed off easily, which is irritating. But this one gave me a sigh of relief. These are washable. You can wash them easily with soap and a regular amount of water. Even if you have them on your clothes, you can remove them without worries.
Protects Internal Parts:
The internal components are damaged due to frequent dry start-ups. Proper lubrication keeps the components running for a long. The lube saves the component from rust, corrosion and other damages by lubricating until the engine starts.
High Viscosity:
Higher viscosity helps the lube adhere to the engine for a long. Consequently, the engine doesn’t dry up and remains safe from unwanted damages. This lube is far better than other engine assembly lube alternatives in this regard. In addition, this lube works as honey, sticky and smooth!
Suitable for Ball-Socket:
Most lubes aren’t suitable for ball-socket areas. But this one’s exceptional. You can apply it anywhere in the engine, even in the magnum arms as well as the stock rockers! Moreover, it doesn’t pose any damage as it has a sleek white lithium base.
Pros:
- Higher adherence
- Easy to clean
- Suitable for ball-socket areas
- Anti-corrosive
Cons:
- The lube oil comes in a jar rather than a tube which makes it inconvenient to use
5. Sta-Lube Extreme Pressure Engine Assembly Lube:
Ease engine disassembly with Sta-Lube assembly lube. It has antioxidants in it to prolong the functionality of the lubricant!
Anti-Seize:
You’ve heard of the engine seizing several times, or you may even have experienced it. As the bolts or fasteners become immovable due to the lack of lubrication, the engine seizes and does not move even an inch. For avoiding these circumstances, this lubricant has properties that can prevent the seizing of clamped parts and ensure a healthy engine.
Antioxidant:
Oxidization also causes much harm to the internal parts and the lube. And so, many lubes are forbidden to expose in the open atmosphere. Hence, this lube is equipped with antioxidants that give maximum oxidization protection.
Adhesive Base:
The engine lube has a perfect composition for providing the highest support to the engine. It’s the grease of lithium and hydroxyl stearate which keeps it clung to the surfaces. In addition, the lube has all the common features like anti-corrosive, anti-friction, rejuvenate wear, etc.
Easy to Use:
Unlike other engine lubes, it’s effortless to use. The packaging is made convenient by providing a narrow tube in front. You can use it directly from the tube to control the number of drops by applying moderate pressure on the tube. For me, it’s the best assembly lube.
Pros:
- Base of lithium and hydroxyl stearate
- Anti-seize
- Very comfortably used
- Composition includes Antioxidant
Cons:
- It’s not easily washable
6. Red Line Assembly Lube (80313):
I have come up again with another edition of Red Line assembly lube as this brand never fails to amaze me! It’s anti-corrosive and prevents the clogging of filters.
No Clogging:
Oil filters have a vital role in the engine. This filter removes the contaminants and keeps the engine lubricated with fresh oil. However, grease can clog the filters if it creates sludge. This lube prevents sludge formation and does not accumulate dirt in the oil filters. As a result, the lube does not clog the filters.
Anti-Corrosive:
Corrosion occurs now and then in the metallic equipment. For this reason, the engine lube has essential additives in it to prevent corrosion like antioxidants and other chemical components. Hence, it saves you from paying higher bills in the garage.
Increases Efficiency of Equipment:
As the engine lube reduces friction, the components require comparatively less energy to run or roll. Consequently, it saves a lot of energy of the engine. Moreover, due to the smooth surface, the engine parts do not face premature damages like sludge formation, filter breakdowns, seized radiator, etc.
Permanent Lube:
Permanent lubes are the perfect ones as they provide permanent lubrication to the engines for a longer time. Gladly, this one’s a permanent lube that will be a suitable lubricant for your vehicle. So, grab this one without any delay!
Pros:
- Ensures permanent lubrication
- Increases efficiency
- Do not clog oil filters
- Anti-corrosive
Cons:
- Can’t be used on parts that require an anti-seize
Is engine assembly lube necessary?
Engine assembly lubes are used mainly inside the engine of any vehicle, mostly cars and, drivetrains. These lube are thicker in general than the engine oils and work somewhat like lubricants.
The lubes are applied mainly in the engine’s bearings, camshafts, and other clamped equipment. Assembly lubes are basically needed for lubricating the components after wholly assembling the engine.
It’s applied before any other lubricant to keep the parts smooth and lubricated until any other lubricant is used.
Besides, it’s very important to apply assembly lubes for a good start of the engine for the first time. Otherwise, the engine won’t start due to dry surface and severe friction.
Now, if you ask me, “is engine assembly lube necessary?”, then the answer is undoubtedly a big YES!
Is assembly lube better than oil?
After you’ve assembled your engine, and if this is the first time you’re going to start it, then you can use oil in the place of assembly lube.
But oil does not have a higher viscosity than the lubes, and consequently, it can’t stay for a longer period. So, after a while, all the equipment will get dried up and face severe problems like friction, corrosion, sludge formation, clogging, bearings failure, etc. Also, as lubes are very thick, these stick to the components for a long time.
Hence, in my opinion, for lubricating, a brand new or rebuilt engine assembly lubes are far better than oil.
How do you lube a cylinder?
Lubing a cylinder is as same as lubing other engine parts. The process is not dissimilar from the other ones as the lubing of the cylinder is mostly done by itself.
The cylinder is surrounded by many quills which work together; in a group. Inside the cylinder, there is the piston which moves upward and downward continuously.
Now, the quills spray the lube oil precisely when the piston comes in front of them. And gradually, by spraying the lube oil, the cylinder is lubricated wholly. In this process, the assembly lube reaches every corner of the cylinder.
All you need to do is pour the oil on it and start the engine! It’s as simple as that.
How do you lube a camshaft?
A camshaft is an inevitable part of the engine. The efficiency of the engine more or less depends on it. So, it’s essential to keep it lubricated and running.
Lubing a camshaft is a child’s play, trust me. A camshaft is the equipment with a hollow chamber bearing two opposite ends. One end opens into the engine, and the other end is sealed.
Now, as you’ve lubricated the oil chamber inside the engine and started off the engine, the oil in the engine will immediately come inside the hollow chamber.
Again, there are three lobes present in the camshaft. The oil releases through these lobes by lubricating them accordingly. This process continues for a while, and the camshaft becomes wholly covered with greasy assembly lube.
What do you need to check before buying the Best Assembly Lube For Engines?
So far, you’ve got to know a lot about assembly lubes; what’s in the composition, why it’s necessary, what’s the mechanism and so on. But is this information enough for you to select the suitable one?
I’ll say NO! That’s because there are enough brands to confuse you while choosing the desired one. So, I’m pointing out some features which must be there in an ideal engine assembly lube:
Adherence:
The engine lubes applied to cling with the components for a very long time to save them from friction and corrosion. So, you must should the assembly lubes with higher adherence. You’ll get to know about the adherence through the viscosity level. A higher viscosity level indicates a higher adherence.
Semi-Synthetic:
Among the three compositions of assembly lubes, I recommend the semi-synthetic one as it’s reasonable and contains many essential additives, which saves the equipment from many premature damages. The fully synthetic ones are very costly concerning their functionality. Hence, you should choose the semi-synthetic ones for better results.
Compatibility:
Many assemblies lubes aren’t compatible with all the oil types. Some do not work even if the oil is of a different brand. So, to avoid these troubles, you’ll have to select the assembly lubes with higher compatibility. Just check the writing on the outer skin, which says about the compatible brands and types.
Antioxidant:
The lubes must have antioxidants in their composition. Antioxidants can save your engine from maximum damage like corrosion, rust, sludge formation, etc. As antioxidants prevent oxidation, you must look for them in the composition of your desired one.
No Clogging:
Many times, oil filters tend to clog due to the deposition of dirt. Consequently, the filters clog, damaging the other components and making the oil contaminated. So, the assembly lubes that can mix the dirt and sludge should be chosen.
Easy to Clean:
While pouring the lubes, getting stained is common. The lubes are usually very sticky and do not wash off easily from clothes and hands. But there are certain lubes which can be washed away easily with only soapy water. So, the lubes which are easy to clean are to be chosen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you use engine oil as assembly lube?
Surprisingly, yes! But you’ll surely have to face the consequences after a while. As engine oils are thicker than assembly lube, they do not stick for long and form sludge.
Can I use grease for assembly lube?
Grease is very thick with a very high viscous force. Greases act as thickeners, and usually, the assembly lubes aren’t required to be that thick. So, you can’t use grease in it.
Should you use assembly lube on piston rings?
No, you shouldn’t. Piston rings are hollow rings that only need oil for lubrication. As the rings shouldn’t be drenched or dipped in oil, assembly lubes shouldn’t be applied to them.
How long does assembly lube last?
Assembly lubes last for a longer period. Generally, these last for about 6 months or more.
Conclusion:
In my guide, I’ve tried to acknowledge you about assembly lubes essential in every vehicle.
Hopefully, now you know what to look for to get the best assembly lube for engines. So do share this guide with your near and dear ones.
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