Needle bearing grease

[fishndvm]

As I am sill on a learning curve, I see that it is recommended that needle bearings and other various internal engine parts be coated with a light coating of special grease before reassembly.<br />What is this special grease, and is it used for real long term lubrication, or is it only to make the parts sticky to ease the process? I can't imagine any grease lasting too long after the engine is fired up. Thanks in advance for any explanation.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Needle bearing grease

Lube such as Lubriplate engine assembly grease #105 or several other greases work in the same manner...1, to hold needles in place and 2, to provide initial lubrication at start-up on the first run. Personally, I mix 105 with some 2-stroke lube for pre-lube.

 

[outboardguy]

Re: Needle bearing grease

Yes, it is to hold the needle bearings and for initial lubrication.The reason you don't use just any grease is that the grease must be able to be washed away by the incoming fuel/oil mix, in two strokes. If your grease is too runny, put in the freezer to thicken it up.

 

[BillP]

Re: Needle bearing grease

Lubriplate says 105 is their lightest grease before oil. Its also the lube speced for gearcases in old outboard motors...like a 1940 merc made k1 sea king.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Needle bearing grease

I've been using vaseline petroleum jelly on the crankshaft needles for years. It's quite lightweight and washes off easily...<br />- Scott

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Needle bearing grease

Long before OMC came out with their special "needle bearing grease", the factory and mechanics used Vasolene. Refridgerate the jar for a few hours to make it easier to assemble the parts. Vasolene starts to "melt" at body temperature.<br /><br />The reason for Vasolene, and later the special assembly grease, was that when the motor was started, the fuel would quickly wash away the residue. Regular grease is made to cling to metal.

 

[fishndvm]

Re: Needle bearing grease

It's not often that everyone agrees! Thanks for your input.

 

[geofthro]

Re: Needle bearing grease

Interesting!