1970 GP-9 and 1980 U36B Armature Bearings – To Lubricate or Not to Lubricate?

[ADCX Rob]

RR_Mel

...I want to thank you for posting the info about using 5w-30 motor oil . . . .

If you take it one step further and use synthetic oil, it will cut down your maintenance intervals and wear considerably.

[David1005]

I bought a new little bottle of Labelle 107 a few weeks ago.  First one in many years.  These heated discussions about what kind of oil and grease to use go on frequently on the various toy train web sites. So I thought it was interesting what the Labelle oil says across the top of the package in large letters.  It says "Synthetic Light Motor Oil Medium Weight". As far as the white grease Lionel uses at the factory, since these are toy trains, my guess is the grease they use is safe for children to eat.  It is probably a food grade lubricant.  Since my grand children are not licking the grease off my trains, I am free to use the best grease available for the application without regards to its toxicity.  In the past I have used semi fluid power tool grease from Black and Decker. In the future I will be using the Lucas Red n tacky #2.  It is very similar to the Chevron Ultra Duty grease, which I have had very good results with in industrial and railroad applications in the past.  I do not like the white grease.  I had some one try it on some valves and it was hard as a rock in a year. All the valves reconditioned with the white grease had to be rebuilt again. 

[KRM]

I agree with Synthetic. I have used Mobil 1 Synthetic since the mid 70s in everything I drive. Used it back then on slot cars I raced, it worked great. Mobil 1 Synthetic is great stuff and when my Labelle bottle is empty it will be filled with Mobil 1 5W-30W Synthetic. I also use Mobil 1 Synthetic grease on gears. It is red and will never harden. A single $7.00 tube would grease all of my engines for the next 100 years. I fill a carmex container with it and aply it with a small screwdriver to the gears. The rest is used on the car, truck and tractors. Works fine that way. I only have about twenty some engines and only run three at a time a few hours a week. Do the math.