what bolt lube to use

[Rapid Robert]

rod bolts main cap bolts head bolts. clean/dry or use lube?

 

[halfafish]

For sure not dry. I dip the threads in regular engine oil before torqueing them down.

 

[RustyRatRod]

If they're factory bolts, I go dry.

 

[JDMopar]

I've got an old timey oil squirt can, that its only job in life is to squirt a little oil on bolt threads before torquing them. It don't take much oil....just a little drip down the threads.

 

[Professor Fate]

Lubed.
Heck, ARP even includes lube in their head & main bolt kits just to make sure you do it.
Always a good idea to chase & clean the block threads too before installation.
And not just on the threads, put a couple drops under the bolt head to prevent binding and give a more consistent torque reading.

 

[Dana67Dart]

What does the factory service manual say?

Mymopar.com

Free download

I just looked 67 Dodge FSM and the FSM does not say anything about lub on the bolt threads.

Note the torque on a dry bolt vs a lubed bolt are typically different.

The same torque on a lubed bolt might stretch the bolt more than the same torque on a dry bolt. Meteorology of the bolt will be the deciding factor and what the bolt manufacturer says.

Just my 2 cents

 

[1MeanA]

What does the factory service manual say?

Mymopar.com

Free download

I just looked and the FSM does not say anything about lub on the bolt threads.

Note the torque on a dry bolt vs a lubed bolt are typically different.

The same torque on a lubed bolt might stretch the bolt more than the same torque on a dry bolt. Meteorology of the bolt will be the deciding factor and what the bolt manufacturer says.

Just my 2 cents

Exactly. You can't use a dry torque number on a lubed fastener as it will end up being overstretched.

 

[Plymouth 65]

Never liked it dry, I prefer lubed! 65

 

[harrisonm]

I have rebuilt quite a few engines over the years. I have never lubed the bolts, and none of my engines have ever failed.

 

[PROSTOCKTOM]

rod bolts main cap bolts head bolts. clean/dry or use lube?

I would do them wet with ARP lube. You'll just have to look on there website to get the fastener torque specs based on using there lube.

ARP is always giving those lube packets away at the trade shows and I always come home with some.

If you need a couple packets send me a PM and I'll send you some.

Tom

 

[Oldmanmopar]

Machine shop

ARP? use ARP lube

Stock bolts in a blind hole? a drop of 50 weight oil under the bolt head and on the threads

Stock bolts in a open hole leading to water jacket ? Sealer on the threads and a drop of 50 weight oil under the bolt head.

 

[1MeanA]

ARP bolt torque values are based on using ARP lube. They have a very good article on bolt torque The Official ARP Web Site | Technical Information With all the variables its a wonder engines survive

 

[cudamark]

I always oil them, and then blow them off with compressed air to remove any excess.

 

[NC Engine Builder]

Machine shop

ARP? use ARP lube

Stock bolts in a blind hole? a drop of 50 weight oil under the bolt head and on the threads

Stock bolts in a open hole leading to water jacket ? Sealer on the threads and a drop of 50 weight oil under the bolt head.

This is the best response, and 100% correct

 

[Deltatech]

I think having clean threads is most important, sometimes I remember to brush on some engine oil sometimes not.
I've never noticed any difference installing dry.
I always use the ARP lube on everything since there is plenty in the package, when running their bolts.
Stock just gets a drop out of the fresh oil can and cheap Dollar General brushes off the excess.

 

[MOPAROFFICIAL]

rod bolts main cap bolts head bolts. clean/dry or use lube?

Standard bolts, motor oil dip then wiped off before install, thats wiped , not cleaned.
Arp chrome moly bolts/studs, the lube they supply, or the same procedure as above, but with store-bought moly grease.

 

[MopaR&D]

What does the factory service manual say?

Mymopar.com

Free download

I just looked and the FSM does not say anything about lub on the bolt threads.

Note the torque on a dry bolt vs a lubed bolt are typically different.

The same torque on a lubed bolt might stretch the bolt more than the same torque on a dry bolt. Meteorology of the bolt will be the deciding factor and what the bolt manufacturer says.

Just my 2 cents

Shoot, I want to check my 1970 Plymouth FSM now, I could've sworn it called for motor oil on threads for main and rod cap bolts. I'd check your link but I'm on my phone, don't want to deal with downloading and unzipping a large file.

 

[cudamark]

The '66 factory service manual doesn't mention oiling any of the head or bearing cap bolts.

 

[Hyper_pak]

My 2 cents,
I always change rod bolts to DC, or ARP.
And I always use ARP lube, they pull down so nice.
And then I sleep at night, or when I destroy my transmission and bounce off the rev limiter.

 

[Rapid Robert]

decades ago iirc someone said that Ma's torque specs are for dry threads

 

[Rapid Robert]

good comprehensive info (as always). much appreciated thank you. RR