3n1 oil

[Don Gibson]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cacole

The best lubricant for model trains, according to what a chemist recently posted on one of these forums, is Dexron III automatic transmission fluid. It supposedly will never dry out, is plastic compatible, will never break down, and supposedly doesn't attract dirt like other lubricants can.

Don't think so.

ALL oils attract / collect dust / dirt. . I've heard Transmission oil is high detergent, and as such will hold dirt in suspension.

I have no idea about 'paint compatibility' but has seen post 's that recommend Transmission oil for removing paint from Brass.

[cacole]

The best lubricant for model trains, according to what a chemist recently posted on one of these forums, is Dexron III automatic transmission fluid. It supposedly will never dry out, is plastic compatible, will never break down, and supposedly doesn't attract dirt like other lubricants can.

[mcouvillion]

diesel75003

I shudder to think what 3 in 1 oil will eventually do to your trains. I'm a chemist and have used only transmission fluid for lubrication since I started the hobby seriously about 25 years ago. Oils eventually gum up, yes, even the expensive custom hobby oils. The transmission fluid won't. It is compatible with the metals and plastics in your rolling stock (engines and cars), it will not conduct electricity, so it is safe around the motors, it will not dissolve paint and can be cleaned up with a tissue, it maintains its viscosity (slickness) over a broad temperature range, so hot or cold it is about the same, and you can get a lifetime supply for about $2.00!

I got into this stuff after cleaning all the gum out of every wheel journal on every piece of rolling stock I had 25 years ago. I had used 3 in 1 oil as a kid. It may be appropriate for a sewing machine, but it is not for trains. Try transmission fluid (Dexron II). You won't be disappointed.

Mark C.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Ben,that helps alot.

[ben10ben]

If all your drivetrain parts are metal, 3-in-1 is fine. Unfortunately, this is not the case 99% of the time.

3-in-1 oil can dissolve or disfigure certain plastics, and using on your motors could result in having to replace gears, which would quickly make up for any amount you may have saved by buying the oil.

I use 3-in-1 on my postwar Lionel engines, where I know that the gears and bearings are all metal, but wouldn't use it anywhere else.

Everything else gets Labelle brand oil, which is plastic safe and I highly recomend.

[Anonymous]

Question??? I heard 3n1 sewing machine oil is just as good as the Atlas oil ans so forth to put on motor bearings,,,is this true ??? The price of 3n1 is about 1.50 for a whole can compared to 7.50 for a little dropper.What do I do,,I'd rather spend 1.50 to 7.50 ,but,I don't want to hurt my motive power. Any help would be grateful.
Thanks,
Diesel