Do You Lube Motorcycle Piston Rings?
When installing new pistons into a motorcycle engine, do you need to lube the piston rings and cylinder with oil, or can they be installed dry?
Partzilla’s motorcycle expert John Talley hosts live Q&A sessions on our YouTube channel every Friday at 3pm Eastern. In this session, John was asked if he lubricates motorcycle piston rings and cylinders for installations.
Motorcycle Piston Rings Lubrication Q&A
When installing new piston rings on any motorcycle, do you lube the rings and cylinder or do you put it together dry?
John Talley: I’ve seen some mechanics slobber oil all over everything. But I’ve never seen anybody put these things together dry. You don’t want to do that. I go with a moderate amount of oil, especially when I’m installing the rings on the piston. Before they go on, I’ll just wet it with my fingers and go all the way around. And then I’ll put oil on the skirts and add a few more dabs around the crown of it, and then that’s it. Well, I take that back, after I clean the cylinders, then I just go with a light finger swab around there. Do I bathe it in there? No. Just a really thin layer is all it needs. Plus, it’s going to burn it off very quickly anyway.
Watch the video below to see a piston and cylinder installation on a Honda dirt bike engine.
Watch the video below for tips on how to break in a new or rebuilt motorcycle engine.
Watch the video below to learn about the benefits of Wiseco aftermarket pistons.
Want to see more live repair questions answered? See more motorcycle and ATV repair questions answered here.
