Large Scale Central

Mobil 1: Inexpensive source for train lubrication

General Discussion
#1

To all:

Based on two sources having over 4 years of product experience, I will be making a change to lubing rolling stock wheels and loco gearing with Mobile 1 synthetic automobile engine oil.

Apparently, this synthetic engine oil is plastic compatible. Plastic compatibility may not be exclusive to Mobil 1 engine oil as their are other synthetic motor oils on the market. Meanwhile, both long-time users of Mobil 1 say there has not been any damage to either to their locos or rolling stock. Comparing costs with LGB’s oils and grease is obvious. Furthermore, a long-time employee with LGB indicated to me LGB’s oil was actually a brand of transmission oil packaged in their “oiler pens.” This compatibility with plastics fits considering the composition of internal automotive transmission valves and servos.

So save the small LaBelle application bottles with the long applicator neck for refills.

What has been your experience with synthentic motor oil used as model train lubricant?

Thanks,

Wendell

#2

Thank you for the tip Wendell.
I was considering using synthetic motor oil but was unsure if it would cause any problems.
I will be making the change also.
Ralph

#3

So… Wendell… if I use Mobile 1 and the sideframes fall off my trucks, you will replace them for me? :smiley:

#4

On the more serious side, doesn’t oil of whatever source attract grit, eventually negating any value that might be gained? I’ve always thought that graphite was the superior lubricant in this application. Where have I gone wrong?

#5

Don’t most graphite lubricants have a petroleum based carrier?
What about silicone?
Ralph

#6

Ralph, what I’m thinking about is the dry graphite similar to the stuff sold by Kadee. You can find the stuff in the big box stores in the lock section, used to lube various locks.

#7

Steve-

Per use of oil in the rolling stock axles:
Steve, I don’t think you have not gone wrong - not in my experience - if the graphite works, fine as it is most often suggested. I have used for years a drop of heavy oil in the truck journal so the axle tips are lubed. As to dirt, no problem during the thirteen years of operations I can detect. However, these are Southern California conditions. At the Living Desert, in Palm Springs, I lube all rolling stock axle tips the same way with oil. Those trains run 7 days a week all day and so far we have minimized the wear. Graphite likely would work equally well if not better.
Wendell

#8

You use lots of oil in your trains?

#9

I use just a dab of LGB gear grease on the rolling stock trucks. The trucks are made out of the same plastic as the motor blocks, which get the LGB grease as well. Haven’t had any unusual plastic deterioration since I started over 25 years ago.
I prolly won’t run out–bought a case of the stuff a few years ago.
Since I don’t need track power, I cleaned all that black graphitey stuff out of my dismals journals and dabbed a bit on those, too.
jb

#10

Comparison of LeBelle 107 (light oil) with Mobil One 10-30 wt:
My estimate is these two are very close in viscosity. Perhaps the 5-30 Mobile One would be dead-on.
However, the Mobile One has the varied viscosity of 10-30 weight with viscosity improvers. Premise is as the heat builds the oil changes from 10 weight to 30 weight. I doubt the heat generated in our model trains would produce this change so it will stay at 10 weight is my estimate.

Any thoughts from our chemically-savy readers?

Wendell

#11

Wendell,

Mobil 1 is not a oil, it is a synthetic lube… No reason why it would not work… Just go lite on the use…

#12

On MyLS, there is a continuation of discussion on the advantages of Mobil One vs. other engine lubes.
Plus, apparently, Mobil One also has a transmission oil --some conjecture if similar to the oil in the LGB lube “tubes” – LGB’s pen-like oil dispenser.

Wendell

#13

Wendell,

A friend had a Chevy Blazer with full time 4WD & he changed the transfer case to Mobil 1, got about 1.5 miles per gallon better fuel economy… He also put in the engine…

#14

Bob-
“He also put in the engine…” does not mean after the use of the oil? I think you reference he did the engine build prior. Manwhile, interesting that the “slippery” effect could be claimed as the reason less friction – or is it the fact the viscosity improvers keeps the oil thin?
Wendell