Assembly Lube/Camshaft Rotating Resistance?

[OK-944]

Permatex Ultra-Slick assembly lube is pretty sticky stuff…but comes highly recommended. While I was on the fence about using this versus some non synthetic engine oil to lube up my camshaft journals prior to reassembly, I went ahead with the assembly lube - due to the possibility that my engine may sit for awhile (like until next Spring) before I fire it up, at which point I sure as heck want it to be protected.

My concern is that when I spun the assembly lubed camshaft prior to reinstalling the camshaft assembly onto the cylinder head…it kind of felt like it was turning through molasses - and I’m worried that this might cause too much resistance upon first startup, when the initial surge of actual engine oil takes a bit longer to reach the camshaft area than areas lower down in the engine…and that this, plus the extra rolling resistance, could cause the timing belt to shred or be damaged in some way, especially if I get my car done over the next few weeks when cooler fall temperatures might cause the assembly lube to thicken further, which might exacerbate the rolling resistance issue.

I do know that both valve spring resistance and piston compression prior to detonation can put some strain on the timing belt…but this presents as more of a “pulsing” resistance, and I am worried that the continuous resistance from the sticky assembly lube might cause some problems.

But is this a non-issue? Am I being paranoid?

[mytrplseven]

Under the circumstances you described, i would recommend (before starting the engine for real) pulling the plugs and using the starter, turn the engine until you see the oil pressure come up then stop. Do this a few times to get all the surfaces used to oil lube vs assembly lube and you should be ok.

[OK-944]

I had planned on using just the starter for a good 30 seconds or so (to get oil pressure to register), but also pulling the plugs sounds like a great idea - thanks!