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 Posted - March 05 2013 : 11:24:59 PM
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I like LaBelle's lubes, they just ain't cheap. What can I use on general trains? I have read a info sheet for my newest Tyco 630 and stated 3 N' 1 oil is safe. I also hear 5W-20 and SAE 30 oil is also safe. What y'all think and what about grease?
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - March 06 2013 : 02:28:06 AM
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Synthetic motor oils are definitely safe. I have some Mobil 1 10W-30 in a pen oiler for times I need an oil with more body, but I can't recommend Super Lube enough.
http://www.aaaindustrialsupply.com/superlubeoilwithptfeteflon51004-.aspx
I even use it on appliance motors, and it resurrects bad bearings on them that 3-In-1 and fractional HP motor oil can't. Lasts forever by comparison.
The grease is just as good, and better than LaBelle's, which is too sticky for some applications.
http://www.aaaindustrialsupply.com/superlubesyntheticgreasewithptfeteflon21030-.aspx
Fortunately the grease is available at Harbor Freight. I hope they carry the oil soon. It works well on PT gearing, but keep it light since everything's exposed.
As for 3-In-1, I used it for years and never had a problem. The only plastic I've ever seen turn brittle is Chattanooga boilers from the smoke fluid. There are better oil options out there now, though, and for me Super Lube tops the list.
The Tyco Depot
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Posted - March 06 2013 : 05:17:09 AM
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I have been using Mercon 4 automatic transmission fluid- it's plastic compatible, lasts longer in constant use than light oils like LaBelle's and is cheap. Others have mentioned Marvel Mystery Oil, but I'm not sure if that is plastic compatible. Either way, a toothpick application of a small amount is my way of doing things.
Whatever you do, don't pack grease in the works- it's a dirt magnet and stay away from 3-in1 household oil or regular oil.
Siouxlake Ron
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Helm
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Posted - March 06 2013 : 07:07:33 AM
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I used to use LaBelle, but when I went to get a new bottle my hobby shop guy gave me "XL" from Phoenix Unlimited. He says they bought out LaBelle and it's the LaBelle product under a new name. It seems to work just as well and it's also plastic compatable.
Don't remember what I paid for it.
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Posted - March 06 2013 : 10:36:56 AM
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Warning!!
Do not use petroleum based oils on plastic. It will cause most plastics to change states.
Unless they have changed the formula that includes 3 in 1 oil. The other problem is that 3 in 1 tends to leave a residue.
http://www.justtrains.com/Service/maint-main.asp
Regards
John
***************************************************************************
There are not enough Indians in the world to defeat the Seventh Cavalry.
George Armstrong Custer
Benteen, come on, big village, be quick. Bring packs.
George Armstrong Custer
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steve
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Posted - March 06 2013 : 2:49:10 PM
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What about vasaline? Is it ok to use?
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Posted - March 06 2013 : 4:27:01 PM
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Steve- you left yourself open with THAT question; however, Vaseline may work, but it may also be a dirt magnet in effect, so I would stay away from it- as Vaseline is a "petroleum jelly" it's effect on plastic parts may not be beneficial - same goes for mineral oil, which can degrade some plastics fairly rapidly.
The ATF I mentioned in my previous post above is a synthetic, not oil- based.
That Super Lube seems like an interesting item- the company website states it is plastic compatible ( and they make lubricant products for REAL railroads, as well) for five bucks, so I plan to get some and try it out myself.
Siouxlake Ron
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Posted - March 06 2013 : 7:39:57 PM
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Vaseline is a petroleum product, so I same the same caution applies to it's use with plastics. John, I've heard all of those warnings too, but believe they're greatly overstated. I'm not recommending them, but I used 3-In-1 in locos that are now 40 years old with no degradation. They are all lubricated with synthetics now, but no damage was done. As oils go, 3-In-1 isn't that great anyway by today's standards.
Vaseline used to be the recommended lubricant for the plastic gearing in the power trucks for AHM diesels like the BL2 and C-Liner, and again I've ever seen one that turned brittle.
Ron, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Super Lube works especially well on plastics, I guess because the Teflon really gets into the microscopic irregularities in the surface. I used to use it for Delrin parts in tape and VCR drives, and you had to be careful because it could make take up reels -- which had a built-in clutch -- slip permanently, even when the oil was stripped out with solvent.
A friend who worked for a cable company swore by it. He was having problems with their Sony VTR loading mechanisms wearing and leaving plastic shavings in the bottom of each unit. I recommend their grease to him (which at the time was sold by Radio Shack), and he called me back amazed... it stopped the wear. He told his techs to keep using it, but told the bosses he was still using the official Sony grease as they wanted him to. 
Oh, and the only reason I don't use ATF is because it reeks like skunk. 
The Tyco Depot
Edited by - NickelPlate759 on March 06 2013 7:42:24 PM
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Posted - March 06 2013 : 9:19:30 PM
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I'll have to ask my friend what he put on my CofSF E7 loco
it was probabally STP or something 
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Posted - March 06 2013 : 10:15:19 PM
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That Super Lube sounds pretty compelling. Is it available off-shelf anywhere, or only through that distributor?
LaBelle seems pricey for the amount you get, but I found some #108 cheap at a show about 10 years ago. I've been fairly generous with it and that bottle still seems near bottomless. You normally needn't use too much, so that's probably got something to do with it. I've been very pleased with the results. Only complaint is that it IS just an oil, so for applications where you want some adherence longevity, it's not the best choice. But it's the only thing I use on bearings and sealed gearboxes axles and the like.
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Posted - March 06 2013 : 10:54:10 PM
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I run and operate at least 40 steamers in HO alone! It's not ran as much they used to. Rather annoying when ya I gotta lube my fleet and run out of grease on my diesels and steamers! I've made my LaBelle 107 oil last for at least 7-8 years. Trying 108 now. I guess synthetic oil is plastic safe and brand is a preference? I'm a Castrol guy. Nelson, do ya apply grease from the tube or use other means? I have N scale engines to lube up!
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
Edited by - Redneck Justin on March 06 2013 10:56:00 PM
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blaneo
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Posted - March 06 2013 : 11:24:04 PM
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I have used the Super Lube grease for years. I first came across when I received a sample for testing. in anticipation of future sales. I have used it exclusively in my radio control vehicles. I have used it in boats and monster trucks on the electrical fittings to waterproof them. I have found that it also helps prevent corrosion axles and shafts. I use on the gears in the drive train and servos, and have even liquified it to pack wheel bearings. I have also of course used it in my model trains, I used a small artist brush and simply paint a thin coating onto the gears, axles, and shafts. I have never seen any adverse effects to any type of metal or plastic. It does not take much, a thin film is more then adequate. It is one of those products that when you start using it, you wonder how you did without it. Ace Hardware used to have it available also.
Blane is the name,
Trains are the game.
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Posted - March 06 2013 : 11:54:52 PM
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Is this the grease Nelson?
http://www.harborfreight.com/85-gram-super-lube-grease-cartridge-93744.html
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - March 07 2013 : 05:06:47 AM
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I notice the word "syncolon" on the Super Lube- is that something meant for us guys in their 50s ?
Siouxlake Ron
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Posted - March 07 2013 : 05:43:05 AM
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Justin, yup, that's it. Maybe if enough of us call Harbor Freight we can get them to carry the 4 oz. bottle of oil.
Blaneo, like you I'm amazed at the number of applications for it. I packed the gearbox and differential on my old RC-10 that I built years ago with the grease, and what a difference. Putting SL oil in the roller bearings on the wheels made them spin forever.
More recently I packed the bearings of my furnace blower motor with a mixture of the grease & oil because a bearing was going bad, and it helped extend its working life. I never thought it would hold up in a 1/4 HP motor.
I first came across it at Shadio Rack, probably in the early 90's. They used to sell the grease as Archer Lube Gel. They also had the oil in tiny pen oilers, which was an expensive way to buy it. About 5 years ago they stopped carrying it, saying there wasn't enough demand.
I usually put a little of the grease on a fine screwdriver and distribute it throughout the gear train with it. You could do the same with a toothpick. If the gearing is enclosed, you can get away with more than exposed gearing like on PT trucks. As for attracting dirt, so does oil. Any wet lubricant will, but unless you're running trains on the carpet that shouldn't be a problem.
And no, I don't work for the company. 
The Tyco Depot
Edited by - NickelPlate759 on March 07 2013 05:49:13 AM
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Posted - March 07 2013 : 06:41:30 AM
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Using chap-stick as lube and cleaner...
From another posting:
32 years at HO model railroading... 7 years of chapstick... at least two straight years of proof... it's not a "no-brainer." It's simple common sense... and costs you a few cents a year . Oh... graphite... powder form... use ANY PENCIL, mechanical or sharpenable, sharp or dull tip... the best dry lube anywhere!
The chap-stick stuff also cleans and lubes gears. No matter how fast they spin... fast spinning and gravity does not affect this form of lube. Liquid finds the lowest point and grease isn't good on skin or spattered in your eyes. Chapstick sticks and can be applied using a toothpick...
If this explaination seems... too cheap, it is also too easy to accomplish.
Anyway, that's my experience...
John
I don't have a one track mind. It depends on the turn-out.
"I love your catenary!"
Is that a power-trip or just another pick-up line?
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Posted - March 07 2013 : 11:54:13 AM
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I'm a carpet burner! Would 5W-20 synthetic oil be real light compared to 10W-30? My truck uses 5W-30.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - March 07 2013 : 1:59:19 PM
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Even running dry, PT trucks are champion dust bunny munchers. Forget the Schticky; if Tyco had any honesty they would have introduced them as the Lint Picker drive. Just keep your carpet vacuumed.
5W-30 should be fine.
The Tyco Depot
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