No matter how much work you put into assembling an engine, if you do not apply engine lubricants in it initially, your engine will take a serious toll. This is due to the friction existing between the newly set up parts.
Engine assembly lubes eliminate friction where engine oil takes time to reach. Therefore, this lube is significant beyond measure when it comes to engine restoration.
In Hurry! Then Check Our Editor’s Recommendations:
Image | Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
 | Permatex 81950 Ultra Slick Engine Assembly Lube | ||
 | Lucas Oil LUC10153 Assembly Lube | ||
 | ARP 100-9910 ultra torque assembly lubricant | ||
 | Sta-Lube SL3331 engine assembly lube | ||
 | Lubriplate L0034-094 No. 105 Motor Assembly Grease |
There are lots of lubes in the market for you to choose from. However, having so many options can make buying the perfect one puzzling and difficult.
But, don’t worry. Because we are here with some of the best engine assembly lube available that will surely impress you with some unique features.
Table of Contents
10 Best Engine Assembly Lube Reviews
You don’t want to compromise when it comes to getting the perfect lube. To better understand what you need, Have a quick go through this incise overview and help yourself get the suitable one.
1. Permatex 81950
To start, this unit contains a specially crafted formula that allows the lube to be reasonably fluid and yet necessarily vicious.
In other words, it can reach all the hard-to-reach places and also does not move too much from where the applied spot.
With this lube, your machine will start faster than before. After all, long start-up times are frustrating and repulsive.
Additionally, this lube has an ultra-slick property. Being ultra-slick makes the lube super adhesive.
Long story short, after you have applied a dab of it, it will stick quite well with your parts and get rid of all sorts of unwanted scuffing and drag between the machines.
However, it can come off as too sticky in some cases, which makes working with it a little bit difficult and a tad bit of inconvenience in the equation.
If you are in the line of assembling engines or just a fan of self-conducted workshops in your garage over the weekends, it is ideal for long term storage.
Highlighted Features
- The perfect blend of runny and viscosity makes it reach all spots and stay intact where it has been applied
- Super adhesive in nature makes your parts stick to each other hence reducing all sorts of scuffing
- You can use it in many ways giving you a high value for our engine
2. Lucas Oil LUC10153
Setting up an engine is always a tough grind, no matter how much experience you have under your belt.
If you are looking for a lube to help you out with engine set-up activities and keep your engine in shape, look no further. This is where your search stops. Hear us out.
To start with, it contains a complicated, semi-synthetic formula. Sounds technical?
In other words, this lube contains a mixture of Zinc, Moly, and similar high-pressured chemicals. This mixture assures guaranteed protection of the engine during the break-in periods.
The lube is super slick. This makes your engine run well and in shape. It has a subtle effect on your engine as it can increase your engine’s life expectancy. Spending a few bucks on it assures a healthy engine with a longer life expectancy.
Ever heard the term “dry start”? Your engine can “dry start” when you try to start afresh, out-of-the-box, brand new engine without priming it first. “Dry starts” can internally damage your engine.
This lube offers high performance to its users, thus eliminating “dry starts.” Additionally, it also prevents all kinds of drags and friction in the engine, making it one of the best assembly lube available in 2021.
Highlighted Features
- Contains a mixture of industrial chemical which protects your engine during break-in periods
- Increases life expectancy and smoothness
- High-performance lube prevents “dry-starts,” thus stopping potential internal engine damage
3. ARP 100-9910 Ultra Torque Assembly Lubricant
You probably have experienced the extreme level of friction tightening a new fastener. This “friction” can be a party pooper because it can hamper the fasteners’ ability to achieve the necessary level of pre-load initially.
This is where this lubricant comes in and takes care of things.
Well, this model does an outstanding job of minimizing this “friction problem.” How? ARP 100 can cut off the friction, allowing you to achieve 5% of the required pre-load, JUST ON THE FIRST POOL! Wonderful, isn’t it?
But, that’s not all. It also does a terrific job of reducing friction consistently with every corresponding number of cycles. Not only are you getting a faster pre-load but also consistent and even ones.
When you are working with lubes, you will often find yourself directly in contact with them. And, hazardous ingredients in lubes have the chance to damage your skin in so many ways.
So, what to do?
Another reason why this one made our list is the complete lack of harmful contaminants. It is completely safe to use and if you are a frequent lube-user, give it a shot.
After all, why damage your skin when you have the option not to?
Highlighted Features
- This product does a fine job cutting off “initial friction,” giving you a faster work rate
- Gives you consistent performance, ensuring you get a smooth work experience as time passes
- Contains no hazardous substance assuring your safety and well-being
4. Sta-Lube SL3331
Low on budget? Looking for a good and decent lube for your car engine? Well, look no more.
This Sta-Lube engine assembly lube model gives you 10 oz of materials that cost almost similar to the price of any decent 4oz lube in the market.
You are getting more than twice lube for a similar amount of money, and we felt this is a great deal for those with a tight budget.
Apart from the cost factor, owning a 10 oz lube tube proves long-lasting too. You can use all the lube you want in all the engine assembly parts, and still, you will have some left for your next project.
It’s always neat to have some extras left in the inventory because who knows when you might need some suddenly.
And it is pretty reliable as well. It greases the equipment well, cutting off unwanted friction and adding ease to your work.
The level of adhesion is above average. You can use it for assembly purposes, for replacements of rollers, chains, lash, anything. It won’t let you or your engine down.
Even though it costs less per oz, this one can still give a run for money to its competitors in the market.
Highlighted Features
- Get 10oz at a price similar to that of 4oz so you can save money
- Reliable set of lube so you can use to assemble or to replace parts.
- Impressive adhesion level gives you great value for money.
5. Lubriplate L0034-094 No. 105 Motor Assembly Grease
The reason we have opted for this model in our list is that these amazing lubes are “water-resistant.”
What? Yes, you’ve read it right.
Luberiplate’ water-resistant” means with this lubricant, you are getting extra strength, protection, and of course, water resistance.
If you are looking for something extra in your pack of lube to give your engine a professional disposition, then this is the product you want.
Another reason we love this model is the brilliant “rust prevention” feature. This is outstanding grease that will also prevent rust in your engine. Engine set-up takes time and effort, but what’s the point if your engine gets rusty soon?
For an added layer of protection against rust, you can blindly go for this one. But, that’s not all. You can use this one even when the condition is extremely hot.
When you are in a workshop, the temperature always has a say. During hot temperatures, some lubes might not work properly, leading to inefficiency and gross malfunction.
However, this one allows you to work even in the toughest conditions as it has an operable temperature of 150°F.
Highlighted Features
- Water-resistant, so you get more from it than your average lube
- Resistant from rust, so it protects your engine by adding an extra layer of protection
- Workable up to 150°F so you can work with it even during harsh temperature
6. Red line 80319 liquid lube
For starters, with this product, you are getting 12 oz. This means more lube for you to enjoy. Apply as much as you want without being stringent or being worried about buying a new one soon.
Often people look for a lube that is on the thinner end of the scale. Not all brands in the market have such attributes.
Red Line is a great thin engine lube that you can use on the delicate spots of the engine, such as valve trains or timing chains.
But don’t worry about its texture. Despite being thin, it is still almost as much slick as thick ones. It gently stays still where applied, doing its job well and fine. This perfect balance between thin and slick is the reason we highly rate this one.
Last but not least, it features an outstanding inhibitor for rust. In simpler words, it slows down the rusting process for your precious little engine.
So what does this mean for you? This means, with it, you get longer storage opportunities for your parts and healthier sets of internal engine components, easily putting it in the list of best engine assembly lube for long term storage.
Assembling an engine is huge, so why not go for maximum protection? Protect your engine from rust with Red Line.
Highlighted Features
- 12oz lubricant, meaning say hello to heavy-duty lubricant usage
- A perfect balance of thin and slick so you get the best of both worlds
- Rust inhibitor meaning that it protects internal parts of the engine from rust
7. Royal purple 01335
We chose this product primarily because of its unique formula. Royal purple is a synthetic lubricant. So, what does it mean?
Being synthetic, it offers robustness to the user for reassembling purposes. In other words, you get longer usage per dab of lube applied on your equipment.
The synthetic nature also aids the substance to gain a greater adhesion than other similar products. The enhanced adhesion makes the metal surface firmly stick to one another.
The lubricant also creates a super, load-enduring physical barrier between the metal surfaces, making reassembling a smooth process.
The synthetic formula is also responsible for enhancing the anti-rusting ability of the lubricant. Thanks to the carefully fabricated synthetic molecules, the best engine lubricant can protect both ferrous and non-ferrous metals against the effect of rust and corrosion.
Rusting is inevitable when it comes to metal equipment. Doing something to prevent rusting can never go wrong.
Another wonderful thing is it is slickness. When it comes to being slick, this one wins compared to grease.
With it, you are getting a smooth performance for assembling parts and no longer need to worry about friction hampering your operations.
Highlighted Features
- The synthetic formula makes the product durable so you can get better performance per dab of lube applied
- Protects your equipment against rust, so you get better life on internal components of your engine
- Top-notch slick level ensuring zero friction level and smoother operation for your assemblies
8. ATP automotive AT-201 transmission lube
This is a fantastic lubricant you can use in any kind of internal service during assembly. It keeps things neat and clean.
Fantastic product if you are looking for assembling lubes and don’t have a lot of experience under your belt.
The adhesion is remarkable. It can brilliantly hold your parts together in place. We liked how it has a certain level of natural stickiness.
Often lubes are over-sticky, making working with them difficult. On the other hand, this one makes it look like a walk in the park.
A cool feature is its color. We are sure that you are asking, “How does it help me out?”
ATP Automotive has a unique, strong blue color. This color is easily observable. Thanks to the blue color for those new in this particular line of work, you can easily distinguish the lube from any unwanted, subtle leak.
Overall, it is ideal for those just starting to climb the ladder of “engine assembly.” It has all the features that just go with someone new and inexperienced.
Highlighted Features
- Keeps your workstation neat and clean thus, you get an easier experience
- The perfect level of “sticky” so you don’t need to worry about underperformance or get your hand too sticky
- The color makes it easier to identify so you can separate between lube and leak
9. Maxima Racing Oils 69-01904
This unit is an exceptional film-forming lubricant that can give you exceptional performance.
For example, thanks to a layer of the film formed in between the parts, the moving components will stay safe and damage-free. This is crucial when your engine is under heavy stress.
The layer of films also protects your precious engine from surface wear. Wear of metals is a common scenario in machines when the machine is subjected to intense work, stress, or friction.
Your engine is not an exception too. This means regular wear can damage your engine, lowering its shelf life.
This lube protects from wear that can arise from any situation. This means a say hello to a better and long-living engine.
Another excellent feature is how easily this lubricant mixes with substances such as petroleum or synthetic oil. This prevents your engine filters from being plugged.
Now, why is this important?
You see, when filters are plugged in, your engine will start showing red flags. Engine health takes a toll, and engine performance goes down in engine misfires, rough idling, and uneasy starts.
Having a lubricant that promptly mixes with other oils is a blessing. Your filters won’t get plugged, and you will get an uninterrupted engine performance.
Highlighted Features
- Film-forming lubricants protecting your engine components during movements
- Protects your engine components from wear and tear, leading to a longer engine life
- mixes easily with other oils, so get zero filter clogs and say hello to smoother engine performance
10. CRC Sta-Lube SL3333
So far we have talked about many products, but it is safe to say that we kept good for the last.
How so?
To start, we found the ingredient of this lube very fascinating. This product is a “lithium 12 hydroxyl stearate based” grease. Too complicated?
In layman’s terms, this is not your average grease-based lube. Instead, we think this is far superior lube. Its advanced ingredient makes it a super adhesive lube.
It grabs onto metal surfaces far stronger and superior to that of other similar products. Also, the lube is very thick. This is because it is made up of graphite and moly.
Being super thick means it moves very little, almost doesn’t move at all. So you don’t need to worry about it being runny all over the applied spot giving you more than you can handle.
Assembling an engine is craftwork, and craftworks need to be neat and accurate. This tube is just the right size, and it will fit perfectly in your palms.
You can work with ease and confidence without thinking about putting too much or too little. A perfect fit leads to a perfect dab.
Highlighted Features
- Advanced ingredients so you get a far superior adhesion than other products
- Super thick lube, so you won’t have to worry about getting dirty
- Tube fits in your hand perfectly, so you get just the right amount
Best Assembly Lube Buying Guide
Suppose you finally go put to buy some lube. The question is, “How will you decide which one to buy?” Most people just buy the one that fits their budget, and that’s a gross mistake.
You want to buy the item that you need. You don’t want to overbuy or under-buy. You need to buy something that fits your profile and serves you right and for a long time.
This section will contain all the things you need to know before you go out to buy lube for yourself. Have a quick go-through so that you can beat the market and get yourself the best engine assembly lube.
Size
Most lubricants in the market come in either 4 ounces or 10 ounces of bottles. If you are tight on a budget, go for the former.
On the other hand, if you feel like you have money to spare, plus you would not mind having a few extra left after assembling a full engine, go for the latter.
A few brands in the market come in 10oz and can last for many days. These brands give the user a high value for money. We have also included some of them in our list.
Ask yourself about your preference, then go for the one that suits your need the most.
Slick
The primary purpose of applying lube during build-ups is to smoothen out the process by cutting off the friction between the engine’s parts initially.
The extent to which a lubricant can reduce or eliminate friction is determined by the “slickness” of the lubricant.
You should be buying highly slick lubricants. The slicker the lube is, the more slippery it makes your equipment, and the less is friction.
Friction can hamper your setup and cause damage to your engine in several ways. It is always good practice to get rid of friction whenever you set up an engine, and “slick” lubricants are the ways to do it.
Adhesion
This refers to how much your components grip or adheres to each other after applying the lube. You should go for lubes that are adhesive.
Why?
Because the gripping effect will take pressure off your chest, and attaching the parts will get easier.
When you assemble, reassemble or replace parts in an engine, it is always helpful when the parts grip each other.
That is why you should always go for a lubricant with a high adhesive feature.
Resistance to rust or corrosion
This is a must-have feature in the lube that you are buying. Rust can be the death of metals. Rust damages metals, and with time, it can tear metal apart.
Your engine or the assembled parts inside it aren’t any different. They are metals and, unfortunately, subject to rust.
That is why we highly recommend you get a lubricant that is resistive to the effect of rust or corrosion.
When you apply such lubes to your engine, the engine stays intact against rust, and in the long run, you get a longer shelf life and a healthier engine.
We cannot emphasize the importance of this enough.
Thick/Thin
Some parts require a thick layer of lubricants. And others need a subtle, thin layer. So before you go out to buy, ask yourself where do you want to apply it and then buy accordingly.
One word of caution we would like to pass is that thin lubricants naturally are not supposed to stay in the applied spot.
So, if you are going to buy a thin lubricant, our suggestion would be to look for a lube that is thin and yet does not run or move away.
Otherwise, working with it would be very difficult as it runs away and makes the workstation and your hands messy.
Getting the right one means a lot of searching in the market, and finding the right one can be exhausting. Thankfully we have included a few products that are both thin and not too runny. Check it out.
Water-Resistant
A very underrated feature that most people overlook. Explaining a water-resistant lubricant is futile. The name already does that.
However, we like to point out that water-resistant lubes can be handy as they protect your parts from moisture, adding an extra layer of protection and assuring a long shelf life.
Yes, we know what you are thinking. This feature sounds extravagant. And, it is somewhat. But, if you have money to spend and looking for that extra layer of protection for your precious engine parts, then this is definitely a sound purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
#1. In which places do you apply the engine assembly lube?
Even though the name says engine lube, it does not mean you put it on the whole engine. Instead, you will only apply lube to those specific parts that need initial surface protection because the oil still has not traveled there yet.
#2. How important is engine assembly lube?
If you ask us, we would say very. Now, you might think we are exaggerating, but we can honestly say, NO, WE ARE NOT!
This is because engine oils need some time to reach all the places inside the engine. During these few seconds, the surfaces of the components can clatter with each other, causing metal wear and other similar issues that can harm your components.
This is where lubes enter the scene. If you apply lube to these parts, the lube will eliminate friction and allow the smooth running of the components. These will keep your parts safe and make them long-lasting.
#3. Do engine assembly lubricants dissolve with oil?
Yes, they do. Once in contact, the lubricants mix with oil, keeping the engine safe from unwanted residue.
#4. How to apply lubricants in a cylinder?
As a rule of thumb, first, clean the piston. Either you remove debris from a new or clean the gunk from an old one, always start by cleaning the piston. Next, raise the seat (maximum level) and put a dab of lube to the exposed parts.
Once you are done with this, repeatedly raise and lower the seat. Remember that this step has to be done while rotating. This will help to spread the lube properly.
#5. Can grease be a substitute for assembly lube?
Simple or basic grease can never be an alternative to assembly lubes. This is because two factors come into play while doing this.
Firstly, grease is not thick enough. It cannot sit and gel in the applied spot like an assembly lubricant. It can simply move off to the rest of the components where lubrication might not be needed.
Secondly, engine lubes are soluble in engine oil, whereas grease may not be entirely soluble.
If both have not mixed in together completely, it may cause leftovers that lead to engine blockage. In this long run, you would just be damaging your engine.
Final Words
The absence of something as simple as a dab of lube can ruin all your hard work and can bring your engine downhill.
Without lubricant, your engine stays dry, and the parts clatter with each other leading to poor performance and deteriorating health.
A lubricant can be the difference. A lubricant can be the game-changer that can take your engine performance miles ahead, add years to your engine life.
If you have been with us so far, you have already laid your hands on the best engine assembly lube in the market. We have also included a buying guide to inform you of all the traits you want in your lube.