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MG MGA - Main Jet Lubricant

In connection with my recent engine replacement (which included rebuilt carbs) my mechanic suggested that I lubricate the carb main jets with "graphite oil". Problem is, I can't find graphite oil anywhere. Does anyone know a brand of graphite oil to narrow my search, or is there a good alternative lubricant for the main jets? Please, no K-Y jokes. :)

Regards,
M.D.
'57 coupe
M. D.

Hi M.D. The 2 small cork seals that seal the main jets in each carburettor are soaked in motor oil prior to installation. I therefore recommend lubricating the main jet shafts with a light coating of plain old motor oil, or perhaps STP. Im not sure a graphite lubricant would have any significant advantage over plain motor oil, and in fact might not be quite as good, since such a formulation might not help to swell or soften the small cork jet seals as effectively. Hope this helps. Glenn
Glenn

There's a lightweight oil that contains graphite used to lubricate door locksets (house, auto, etc). I can't remember the name of it right now, but it comes in a small blue can with a white nozzle. I would think that any well stocked hardware store would have it.

G Goeppner

Thanks. I will check the local hardware store. I found powdered graphite (dry, I assumed) at auto stores, but no graphite oil.

Glen, my mechanic explained that graphite oil is "self-wicking", in other words, it will work its way up the jet shaft without having to remove the carbs. Not sure if ordinary motor oil would do the same.

Regards,
M.D.
'57 coupe
M. D.

The original seals were graphited to start with, so soaking them in engine oil gave you graphited oil. Replacements usually are not. The lock lube suggested works. Mixing your powdered graphite in oil, then squirting it in /on will work. A spray-on lubricant with teflon works well too. Best applied with them apart, but pulling the choke full on will get it on the lower seal, and spraying it on the jet inside the carb will get the top one fairly well. Disconnect the fuel pump and let the car run til it is out of gas, to get as much fuel as possible out of there first. Apply the lube by putting it right in the jet with the piston/needle removed, and let it sit awhile to soak in. This puts the lube in the area between the two seals. Any oil will be self-wicking to some extent, if it isn't washed away first. Work the choke up and down to help get the lube in the seals.
FRM
FR Millmore

All:

I found some graphite oil at a hardware store. Thanks for the advice.

Regards,
M.D.
'57 Coupe
M. D.

This thread was discussed between 28/07/2005 and 29/07/2005

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