lubricating valves and camshaft

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pett3227b

Well-known member
I am wondering how to properly lube the valve system and the camshaft. I already have the valves in place with the keepers on. Is there a good way to lube everything without removing the valves again? I am working with a rebuilt motor that is too tight for the starter to turn it. thanks
 
Are you sure your starter is operating correctly and up to the task? The valve stems and camshaft should have been lubed with assembly lube upon installation. Once the engine is assembled, about all you can do is lube the cam lobes.
I highly doubt the valve train is causing but if the engine is tight, in my opinion, you need to disassemble it and determine where you have a poor fit. Were the bearings all plasti-gaged? Was crankshaft end play checked? Were the bores properly sized for the pistons and were the ring end gaps properly set?
 
Short answer the only way to properly lube it is to pull it back apart...

Unless you had to pound the valves in with a hammer when you installed them, I doubt they're causing so much friction that the engine won't turn over.

Most of your friction will be in the main and rod bearings. Have you plastigauged your bearings?
 
Okay I'll lube the lobes with some break in oil. The crank and the bearings are brand new. I can turn it freely by hand but should I still use a plastigauge on the main bearings? I had the cylinders bored to 20 over. and put in new pistons. I need to take another look at the rings for sure. The friction on the crankshaft increases dramatically when the rods are all connected.
 
pett3227b":3bpzgnzx said:
Okay I'll lube the lobes with some break in oil. The crank and the bearings are brand new. I can turn it freely by hand but should I still use a plastigauge on the main bearings? I had the cylinders bored to 20 over. and put in new pistons. I need to take another look at the rings for sure. The friction on the crankshaft increases dramatically when the rods are all connected.
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Never assemble an engine without checking the bearing clearances of the rods and mains using plasit-gage. You can never assume everything is within spec., you need to verify it. Use the green plasit-gage. Also check end play on the crankshaft to verify it's also within spec. Once you know everything is within spec, use engine assembly lube on all of the wear surfaces, not oil. Oil will migrate and may not offer sufficient lubrication upon startup. Assembly lube will cling to the bearing surfaces much better.
 
Okay I will use a plasigauge. I am pretty sure I checked the end play but its been a while. Easy so I'll do it again. I will purchase some assembly lube. I was going to ask if plain oil will do. Thanks guys. The motor was so tight that It took bout all I had to turn over with the hand crank.
 
Also wondering if I should lube the seals, the Front and Rear seals plus the governer, with heavy grease or with assembly lube?
 
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