"Plastic Safe" Lubricants

[Smoke Stack Lightnin']

As I prepare to do the initial lubrication on my new Climax engine, the manufacturer, as with others, always recommend buying a multitude of various viscosities of their lubricants or  to use only "plastic safe" products.  Can somebody tell me what lubricants are not safe for plastics?  I'd hate to pay $5 for 2 ounces of 10w50 when I can get a pint for half that amount.  What about 3 in 1?  It lists Garden as one of its many uses, but nothing about unsafe for plastic!  It would just be very useful to know what general purpose grease and oil to stay away from.  I've only actually seen "plastic safe" on labels at electonic and hobby stores, which seems a little to convenient, we've all heard of "snake oil"!  I've never seen plastic damaged by oil.  Isn't smoke fluid a form of kerosene?  I am aware WD40 contains water, other than that, if it walks like a duck.....

Thanks,

Rich F.

[cabbage]

The safe answer is to use the manufacturers recommended lubricant. I have had several experiences with 'well that's just the same isn't it?" and having to correct the problem caused.

I run my motorcycle on caster oil and my motorcar on motil7 -both engines have passed their 50th birthday with ease.

As to damage there probably will not be any -the major problem will be the oils' tendency to oxydise into a gum. This will then slow down your gear train and may eventually cause it to sieze.

There is a known problem with mineral based and vegetable based oils on the same gear train. I would cite one famous incident when the owner of a citroen poured castrol into his engine only to have the complete oil volume in the sump plasticise in minutes.

It may look the same -but you try it first!!!

regards

ralph

[Tom The Brat]

Plastic exposed to the wrong formulation of oil turns crumbly. 3 in 1 is not a good choice. Neither is WD40.

Also, you only use it on your trains in very small quantities. For gear grease, you only need a light coating, unless you're using that pink Bachmann grease that doesn't stay put.

[Smoke Stack Lightnin']

I guess my post should have asked "What is your favorite oil and grease for engines and rolling stock".  I would never use WD40 (water = rust), but have been using 3 in 1 on my O gauge stuff since the early 70's, particularly on the wheels/axles and steamer rods/linkage, and pullmor motors.  I haven't noticed any deterioration, drying, cracking etc. to plastic components to date, but maybe I've just been lucky?  For grease, I have been using Radio Shack's Gel Lube, which is plastic safe, sticks where you put it, and doesn't decompose.  I'd like some opinions on a good general purpose oil, and also a good heavy weight oil.  There was a time when 3 in 1 was all there was.  With todays "Space Age" plastics maybe it is necessary for space age lubricants.  Might be time for this old dog to learn some new tricks!

Thanks,

Rich F. 

[Tom The Brat]

I'd be glad to tell you, but mine are in the tool box at the motel where I don't have internet, so I'm at work and don't remember what it says on them.