Bolts, lube, torque and thread lock

[Harry]

Should bolts be lubed when installing?
Will it affect torque readings?
Will lube affect thread lock liquids?

[jaybee]

As with most things the answer is most commonly "it depends."

Most any critical, internal engine component is installed with lubrication.
Torque readings are both different and less consistent without lube.
If you're using Loctite, thread sealant for bolts going into water passages or anti-seize you don't need oil.
Anti-seize is almost essential on stainless fasteners. It hasn't happened to me but I've heard of stainless fasteners galling and being destroyed even on trial assembly.
I'm an enormous fan of anti-seize on any bolt that goes into aluminum and blue Loctite on virtually everything else. Many times I've been glad I did it "last time" when it came time to take something apart the second time.

[papastoyss]

Most internal engine torque specs state "light lubrication".X2 on the antiseize on ss fasteners. I once had a 5/8 ss bolt gall on an upper coilover shock mount when in a hurry & didn't use antiseize. Learned that lesson the hard way!