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Best Engine Lubricant

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  • Member since
    December 2008
  • 182 posts
Best Engine Lubricant
Posted by willjayna on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 12:23 PM

Hey guys,

I am curious to know what everyone's opinion is on the best lubricant to use. The project I am starting on is taking a somewhat beat SD70 Genesis and transforming it into a UP flared radiator 70 with all the bells and whistles.

Currently, the have the entire locomotive disassembled right down to the gears in the trucks. I am cleaning all of the old gunk from the gears and truck casings along with the drive shafts and drive gears. After I get them cleaned the engine will need new lubricant when I start reassembling the engine.

I am looking on model train stuff and see all sorts of lubricants, granite, light, heavy etc. What do you all recommend me using for this project. In case it matters I am modeling in HO scale.

Thanks

Will 

  • Member since
    October 2005
  • From: Detroit, Michigan
  • 2,284 posts
Posted by Soo Line fan on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 12:34 PM

Plastic compatible grease on the gears. Light or medium oil on the worm bearings, engine bearings and wheel bearings.

Jim

Moderator
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    June 2003
  • From: Northeast OH
  • 17,238 posts
Posted by tstage on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 12:36 PM

Will,

Labelle makes a great product and is plastic-compatible.  Labelle 108 for axle, brushes, and bearings and 106 for gear box and worm gears.

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 12:37 PM

I use Dexron/Mercon transmission fluid on everything. A small drop on the gears and bearings is sufficient.

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  • From: South Carolina
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Posted by Train Modeler on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 1:08 PM

I use full synthetic Mobil 1 very light weight motor oil--0/20 weight. 

Richard

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • 182 posts
Posted by willjayna on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 1:10 PM

Thanks everybody for the quick replies. Interesting the wide array of products used.

  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Canada, eh?
  • 13,375 posts
Posted by doctorwayne on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 1:35 PM

NorthWest Short Line

  (suppliers of gears and gearboxes) recommends LaBelle #102 Gear Oil.


Wayne

  • Member since
    October 2001
  • From: OH
  • 17,574 posts
Posted by BRAKIE on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 4:30 PM

I'm the odd man out..I use BSRT slot car oil and  G-Lube for HO slot cars.These are light weight oil and grease.The G lube will work its way into the teeth of the gears and will eliminate gear noise..

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: Sheboygan, WI
  • 167 posts
Posted by Michael6792 on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 8:31 PM

I have a large amount of light oil made for Penn fishing reels. Works great for me.

Michael

Never attempt anything you don't want to explain to the EMT

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