Turbo applications - assembly lubes, anti-seize, stainless steel, etc.
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Turbo applications - assembly lubes, anti-seize, stainless steel, etc.
A recent thread motivated me to do a little research into assembly lubes related to turbo applications. Obviously, turbo systems operate at higher temperatures than NA components, with temps reaching 1600F in high-performance applications, and 1300-1400F being common.
I have always made it a habit to use the proper assembly lubes, anti-seize, thread sealers, thread-locker, etc. In the case of the turbo system, I initially assumed moly based assembly lubes and anti-seizes would be acceptable, but realized that it loses it's effectiveness at around 700F, and the moly actually becomes corrosive at 1000F, well within the normal operating range of a turbo application.
I recently found some copper-based Loctite C-5A anti-seize which is rated up to 1800F. I thought that was a good solution but found out that at elevated temperatures, the copper-based antiseize could actually become corrosive to stainless steel.
Further research indicated that a nickel based anti-seize/lubricant is more appropriate, especially with stainless steel fasteners. The nickel-based formulas offer protection up to 2400F, well beyond the range of applicable turbo applications. Besides being the appropriate anti-seize for a fastener on the hot side of the turbo system, it is also appropriate for the wastegate puck lubrication.
I have always made it a habit to use the proper assembly lubes, anti-seize, thread sealers, thread-locker, etc. In the case of the turbo system, I initially assumed moly based assembly lubes and anti-seizes would be acceptable, but realized that it loses it's effectiveness at around 700F, and the moly actually becomes corrosive at 1000F, well within the normal operating range of a turbo application.
I recently found some copper-based Loctite C-5A anti-seize which is rated up to 1800F. I thought that was a good solution but found out that at elevated temperatures, the copper-based antiseize could actually become corrosive to stainless steel.
Further research indicated that a nickel based anti-seize/lubricant is more appropriate, especially with stainless steel fasteners. The nickel-based formulas offer protection up to 2400F, well beyond the range of applicable turbo applications. Besides being the appropriate anti-seize for a fastener on the hot side of the turbo system, it is also appropriate for the wastegate puck lubrication.
#3
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Re: Turbo applications - assembly lubes, anti-seize, stainless steel, etc. ('79ProwlerOrange)
The one I found is made by Loctite, here's the Technical Data Sheet for it. I found it at a local industrial supply warehouse.
Something else I just read that I didn't know:
A stainless steel must contain at least 12% chromium, but lean chromium steels can still show rust on the surface. Using 18% chromium will make a more rust resisting stainless steel.
Exposing any stainless steel to oxygen at temperatures above 1200F will cause the chromium to join oxygen and therefore leave the surface depleted in chromium - if it falls below 12% the surface will show rust.
Something else I just read that I didn't know:
A stainless steel must contain at least 12% chromium, but lean chromium steels can still show rust on the surface. Using 18% chromium will make a more rust resisting stainless steel.
Exposing any stainless steel to oxygen at temperatures above 1200F will cause the chromium to join oxygen and therefore leave the surface depleted in chromium - if it falls below 12% the surface will show rust.