Calling all grease experts - PD-1 grease substitute?

AndyW · 03-31-2022, 09:48 PM

Just realized the valvetronic motor replacement procedure calls for Castrol PD-1 grease. I really don't want to wait for that to be delivered so was wondering what might be a suitable substitute. I do have some Molykote Longterm 2 which seems like a similar lithium and mineral oil grease with high stress capability and high "stickiness". The gear is specifically oiled when the car is running so I am not sure why this grease is important and I have seen multiple DIY videos where they don't do this and I assume everything runs fine. My OCD just wants me to do things "right", if at all possible. TIA.

ewrjontan · 11-01-2022, 01:26 AM

What did you end up doing for this? I am in the middle of replacing the valve over gasket on my n52 and I actually made almost the exact same post. Not wanting to wait for shipping and looking for alternatives. Similar to you I found many diys that never mention this and only one that did. It just doesn’t seem necessary nor did I see in any bmw documentation where it is mentioned. no one seems to respond to this question (or have an answer) on a number of mediums where I have asked. I am curious if the grease is only required on brand new valvetronic motor installations. That being said I do have some pd-1 grease that should be arriving this week.

AndyW · 11-02-2022, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ewrjontan

What did you end up doing for this? I am in the middle of replacing the valve over gasket on my n52 and I actually made almost the exact same post. Not wanting to wait for shipping and looking for alternatives. Similar to you I found many diys that never mention this and only one that did. It just doesn’t seem necessary nor did I see in any bmw documentation where it is mentioned. no one seems to respond to this question (or have an answer) on a number of mediums where I have asked. I am curious if the grease is only required on brand new valvetronic motor installations. That being said I do have some pd-1 grease that should be arriving this week.

I used the Molykote, but did get a tube of PD-1, and it is very different in appearance and consistency. I think you would be fine with almost any engine-safe grease, honestly.

ewrjontan · 11-02-2022, 11:36 PM

Cool. Yeah my grease should be arriving Friday. How exactly do you know greases are engine safe? I've checked labels of tons of greases and never really see them specifically say they are engine safe. Even the pd-1 stuff it mentions temperature ranges but doesn't really sound like it's engine safe. Seems like the type of grease that would be used for bearings or suspension parts.

03-31-2022, 09:48 PM	#1
AndyW Supreme Galactic Commander (one galaxy over...) 773 Rep 1,801 Posts Drives: '08 E93, '12 E82, '13 E93 M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Washington, USA iTrader: (5)	Calling all grease experts - PD-1 grease substitute? Just realized the valvetronic motor replacement procedure calls for Castrol PD-1 grease. I really don't want to wait for that to be delivered so was wondering what might be a suitable substitute. I do have some Molykote Longterm 2 which seems like a similar lithium and mineral oil grease with high stress capability and high "stickiness". The gear is specifically oiled when the car is running so I am not sure why this grease is important and I have seen multiple DIY videos where they don't do this and I assume everything runs fine. My OCD just wants me to do things "right", if at all possible. TIA. __________________ Best, Andy '12 E82-PS2,Stoptechs,Clubsports+M3 bits,Accusump,Wagner DP+EVO III FMIC,ERCP,BMS Intake,Mason Strut Bar,Wedge Tune
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11-01-2022, 01:26 AM	#2
ewrjontan Private 19 Rep 60 Posts Drives: BMW E36 M3 Porsche 987 Cayman Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Omaha, NE iTrader: (0)	What did you end up doing for this? I am in the middle of replacing the valve over gasket on my n52 and I actually made almost the exact same post. Not wanting to wait for shipping and looking for alternatives. Similar to you I found many diys that never mention this and only one that did. It just doesn’t seem necessary nor did I see in any bmw documentation where it is mentioned. no one seems to respond to this question (or have an answer) on a number of mediums where I have asked. I am curious if the grease is only required on brand new valvetronic motor installations. That being said I do have some pd-1 grease that should be arriving this week.
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11-02-2022, 11:36 PM	#4
ewrjontan Private 19 Rep 60 Posts Drives: BMW E36 M3 Porsche 987 Cayman Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Omaha, NE iTrader: (0)	Cool. Yeah my grease should be arriving Friday. How exactly do you know greases are engine safe? I've checked labels of tons of greases and never really see them specifically say they are engine safe. Even the pd-1 stuff it mentions temperature ranges but doesn't really sound like it's engine safe. Seems like the type of grease that would be used for bearings or suspension parts.
	Appreciate 0 Quote