Powdered graphite on steel/iron.

May 07, 2026 Last reply: 2 months ago 4 Replies
D

In the depths of my memory I have a puzzling idea that uncoated and rust-fre steel or iron can have powdered graphite rubbed into it to give it a rust-resistant coating.



Is this an actual thing, or has my brane conjured up more old bollocks?



If I remember correctly (!) I read it in an engine building thread on a U.S. car forum where some people were discussing rubbing graphite powder into the cleaned inside of an engine block to speed up oil return off the block sides, and to prevent any crap sticking to it. Many of the forumites were sceptical, whilst a few were adamant it was true and worth the effort.



I was sceptical.



Anyone got any opinions on either idea?



Thanks.


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M

Polishes l that are applied to Iron and Steel stoves contain graphite in binders,Zebo used to be a well known one but there are modern versions such as Stovax.

In the sceptical camp. While graphite can be a used as a lubricant why would you need a lubricant to aid the lubricant already in the engine , the oil to flow.

GH

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C

Both graphite and 'Molyslip' (molybdenum disulphide, MoS2) are used as dry lubricants, especially under high bearing loads. In days of yore, my first car was a little MG TC sports car, and IIRC I used to add some sort of Molyslip suspension to the crank case to aid piston and bearing lubrication. But it was a long time ago...

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I

Yes, I remember adding molyslip to the engine oil in my first car - a

1957 Standard 10. Starting it on a cold morning left the oil pressure light lit for a few seconds after the engine started, and with molyslip residue in the bearings it suppressed the bearing knock until the light went out, that I heard without it.
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A

There was also a MolySlip additive for 2 stroke motors, although I suspect that my late father was wasting his time putting it in his James Cadet - may as well have put it in the lawn mower

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