Lubricant
- Thread starter planeshavings42
- Start date
Hi Duey, I've always used LaBelle lubricants. They have several different kinds including a teflon grease. Most of them are plastic compatible but be sure to check the package. Petroleum based oils or grease will "eat up" plastic or nylon gears. 
I second the Labelle.
When we were teens, my best friend discovered Mazola oil as a lubricant and did all his plastic kits with it. In six months none would run because the oil had swollen the plastic axles and frames so they wouldn't turn.
When we were teens, my best friend discovered Mazola oil as a lubricant and did all his plastic kits with it. In six months none would run because the oil had swollen the plastic axles and frames so they wouldn't turn.
Definately the Labelle. I go with the #102 Gear Lube, #107 Medium Oil and # 108 Light Oil.
Those 3 handle pretty much all of my lubrication needs on my workbench
Terry
Those 3 handle pretty much all of my lubrication needs on my workbench
Terry
Re-Lubricant
Thanx Shamus, Vic, David, And Terry.. I had read on an earlier post that one shouldn't run an engine after any prolonged storage without first servicing them, which was my case, I hope I haven't seriously damaged them... AT&SF Duey
Thanx Shamus, Vic, David, And Terry.. I had read on an earlier post that one shouldn't run an engine after any prolonged storage without first servicing them, which was my case,
I hope I haven't seriously damaged them... AT&SF DueyI use the Labelle #107, in the small plazo bottle with the steel pin nozzle very very very very very sparingly. New locos I give a tiny drop or two. Haven't needed to do any more since. Loco's I looked at since, have not needed any more lubrication. Too much and some sorta black greasy muck ends up all over the tracks.
I also like and use Labelle lubricants -- however recently I have discovered new lubricants made by Aero-Car Technology, Inc.. They sell a kit with Conducta Lube (great for motor electrical contacts - brushes and commutator), Motor Bearing Lubricant, and "NG Gel" gear lubricant. These are vegetable based compounds and do a very good job. They recommend cleeaning out all old lubricants before applying. I believe the Bachmann and Life-like lube kits are now made by Aero-car.
They also make a very good track cleaner - the best I've ever used to clean up really dirty track (like my box of American Flyer track) -- it requires a wipe-on and second clean cloth wipe off (so it doesn't work all that well in my Centerline cleaning car), but it really does cut through to the shiney metal.
They also make a very good track cleaner - the best I've ever used to clean up really dirty track (like my box of American Flyer track) -- it requires a wipe-on and second clean cloth wipe off (so it doesn't work all that well in my Centerline cleaning car), but it really does cut through to the shiney metal.
old lubricant
Jeff,
You mention "cleaning out" the old lubricant? How would this be done? Just wipe it of? Use a "solvent"?
Jeff,
You mention "cleaning out" the old lubricant? How would this be done? Just wipe it of? Use a "solvent"?
Solvent
Don't use any kind of "solvent" like mineral spirits, laquer thinner, acetone, or contact cleaner on plastic, nylon or delrin gears or bearings. They will melt
Rubbing Alcohol works good to clean off old lubricants from the materials above.
Don't use any kind of "solvent" like mineral spirits, laquer thinner, acetone, or contact cleaner on plastic, nylon or delrin gears or bearings. They will melt
Rubbing Alcohol works good to clean off old lubricants from the materials above.