What is the proper way to oil the bronze bushings in Lionel engines. I just put a little oil on the bushing and on the shaft that goes into the bushing. That must be OK because I have never had a bushing failure or exceesive shaft wear that I am aware of.
I did a Google search for bronze bushing lubrication and some manufactures say to heat the bushing so that there will be more capillary action to pull the oil into the bushing. Another manufacturer says to remove the bushing to lubricate the interior. Neither procedure seems practical for our little Lionel engines.
How do Lionel repair men lubricate the bushings?
Earl
You're doing just fine, that's what I do in addition to rotating the wheels to make sure the oil penetrates. No need to overthink it.
Lionel used Oilite bushing in many places. They are porous and leave the factory impregnated with oil. I've read a number of different articles about rejuvenating them. IMHO the most interesting / applicable one to our hobby said to submerge the bearing/bushing in an oil bath and put the container in a vaccum chamber. I was just thinking about this within the last 24 hours. To submerge the entire part, it would have to be removed from the train. I don't want to to that, so I am thinking about putting a coating of oil on the surface of the bearing, and putting the whole part in a vaccum chamber. I don't have a vaccum pump or a chamber, so right now it's just a thought. So, how do I lubricate oilite bearings in motors? (all this is informed opinion)Heavy oils / grease should not be used. If there is any sign of this stuff, I clean the bearing (in place) with mineral spirits (usually on a QTip). Then I let the part dry for a day. Then I coat the contact surface with light oil and let it sit for a while. Oil will drip out of the bearing, so put it on something to catch the excess oil. Clean up the excess oil, and put the part together. Lionel had one design element for which I never cared. Generally the oilite axle bearing in die cast metal chassis cannot be reached with an oiler, not even the one I have that is using a fine medical hypodermic needle. Since I have the tools, often I will use a wheel puller to pull the wheel just enough to be able to get my oiler in right next to the axle/bearing. Again I use light oil. Then I use a press with the correct wheel cups to push them back in. As to oils: If there is little to no possibility of the oil migrating to plastic or painted surfaces, currently I am using the oil that used to come in Zoomspout oilers. It was described as Unicol Turbine oil. The original company is gone, I don't know what comes in today's version of those oilers. Might as well mention, I have also been using this oil in fans and other places. So far no issues.
Let the criticism begin!
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