CLP (Cleaning, lubricating, Protecting)

Isopropanol and Brake cleaner seems to be used interchangeably throughout the learning modules. Can they be used interchangeably or do they have different purposes? Is the purpose of the brake cleaner only for cleaning, or is it used also for its additional benefits such as lubricating and protecting? Asking, to understand its main purposes in order to possibly look at any substitutes that may have a lower toxicity content. I have searched for an engine mineral oil of good quality and only articles on the difference between synthetic and mineral comes up. Can anyone please advise what brands/types of mineral oils are the best to use as nothing specific is mentioned throughout the engine building modules. I'm from Australia if that helps.Many thanks,

Hello Warwick

I use brake cleaner to clean surfaces that will later come into contact with oil or similar anyway.

You should not use brake cleaner to clean threads or screws that are mounted with threadlocker.

Brake cleaner contains additives that remain on the surface and impair the hardening process

I use isopropanol or Acteon to clean sealing surfaces and threads that are fastened with threadlocker.

Does your question refer to the oil for assembling the engine or breaking in?

Simon

Thanks Simon. What do engine builders consider as a good quality mineral oil to use?

For break in on the Dyno, you can use a brand oil, e.g. Motul.

To build the engine, I recommend Assemblylube.

I always install the crankshaft and camshafts with a 0W and see if it can be turned easily. (Of course, install the camshaft without the valve train)

If all the bearing clearances are correct and everything turns easily, I assemble it with Assemblylube

With the assembly lube there is too much resistance, you think the crankshaft doesn't turn easily.

Simon

Generally speaking I will use brake clean for parts cleaning as it's relatively cheap and accessible. We buy it in 20 litre containers and decant it into smaller bottles as required. It has zero lubrication or protection properties though as it will evaporate off the surface, leaving it clean of any oil so you do need to be careful to then protect ferrous surfaces like the cylinder liners or they will start forming surface rust very quickly. I haven't seen any issues with using loctite post cleaning with brake clean, however I do use a loctite primer which would be a huge help.

For mineral oil it really comes down to personal preference and what is available. We used a Motul mineral based oil back in my old shop as we were motul dealers. I'm stretching my memory but I think it was Motul 4000 series in the appropriate grade. The last engine I built was broken in with a Valvoline product which was mineral based with ZDDP additive which is a nice addition for break in.

Thanks Andre. To clarify I was asking about the mineral used when building an engine, not so much the oil used in the engine when built and running. Thinking about it more now, wouldn't it be best to establish what oil the engine you're building runs on and used that exact same oil/viscosity when building it? Does mineral viscosity matter when using the oil only for the building process?

Oh right I see. I just have my oil can that I use for assembly filled with a mineral oil. I wouldn't get too caught up with viscosity for the assembly oil as it's such a small amount compared to the total oil volume in the engine. Basically you don't need to over think this.