Large Scale Central

Packing grease

General Discussion
#1

I have an Accucraft K-36 that needs new packing grease in the gear box. I know Labelle makes grease but I don’t have a store close by to get any. Being its an all metal gear box can I use something over the counter from a hardware store or Auto parts shop?

Thank you

#2

Lubriplate is an old standby.

#3

Synthetic Mobil 1 grease is recommended as it’s plastic compatible.

John

#4

John Caughey said:

Synthetic Mobil 1 grease is recommended as it’s plastic compatible.

John

This is what I use. It has other uses, as well. (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif)

#5

Thanks guys. Bought the Mobil 1 this morning, removed the old stuff and packed it in. I had no idea just how bad that old grease was when I compare it to the new grease.

#6

What are the thoughts on lithium grease. The white food grade stuff. I have a whole tube of it. I use it to lube fishing reels. Any reason not to use it?

#7

I use that too with no ill effects. It’s also good on my semi-auto guns. (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

#8

Devon Sinsley said:

What are the thoughts on lithium grease. The white food grade stuff. I have a whole tube of it. I use it to lube fishing reels. Any reason not to use it?

I have a tube of this as well but it seems a little “watery” next to what was in the gear box so I didn’t try it.

#9

The stuff I have while thinner than automotive bearing grease is not what I would call watery. I know it is made in all sorts of thicknesses from spray to heavy grease. Mine is meant for lubricating food machinery like meat slicers and such. One aspect of it is it seems to hold up to a wet environment. It is meant to be on parts that get washed down. It is for that reason that I have it for fishing reels. I figure it would work good for outdoor trains.

#10

I thought all food grade grease was silicone based…

I can find white food grade grease…

I can find white lithium grease…

I cannot find white food grade lithium grease…

I don’t think there’s any reason to need a food grade grease, I prefer plastic compatible greases with moly in them.

Greg

#11

Well Gregg I can’t argue with you. I thought it was lithium maybe its not. I know it is food grade that I do know. And I am not recommending it necessarily I have it from work and it was suggested to me for fishing reels the reason being is it is made to get wet without getting contaminated. So I have it so I use it. Never have on a train so don’t know was throwing it out there because it is a somewhat light grease that is at least water resistant.

The moly grease would be good to I am sure. It is super slick coating so would think it word be good.

#12

Not arguing, was trying to see if that formulation existed, always looking for new type lubricants… Have a shipment of gun-slick graphited grease coming tomorrow.

I don’t think you can have lithium as a base in a food grade grease, although I looked up the msds on several food grade greases, and you cannot eat them ha ha!

Moly seems to plate into the surfaces of both metal and plastic and really help, that’s my experience.

Regards, Greg

#13

For whatever it adds to this thread there is at least this product Diversified Brands 100LQ FOOD GRADE WHITE LITHIUM LUBE; Food Grade White Lithium Lube – 075577-10099 that states:

Diversified Brands 100LQ FOOD GRADE WHITE LITHIUM LUBE; Food Grade White Lithium Lube. Inhibits corrosion on unpainted metal surfaces. High-solids, non-staining white grease. Excellent for metal-to-metal applications. Features: Inhibits corrosion on unpainted metal surfaces; High-solid . . .

You need to register to see more and I didn’t. Since it appears to be in a spray bottle I would guess that it’s probably not appropriate for a gearbox. They also use the term “lube” and not grease.

#14

Thanks Mark!

created an account, and found the manufacturer:

http://www.sprayon.com/product-categories/industrial-lubricants/white-lithium-grease-aerosol-lu100

It does exist, although the propellents will get ya!

Might have to get some, kinda nice to have something that won’t kill you right away if you ingest some.

Greg

#15

Greg:

They have a non-aerosol version if you’re propellant shy.

#16

No, I prefer the aerosol version, they tend to have some solvent mixed in, and the grease penetrates better and then thickens as the solvent/propellent vaporizes.

I think this does a better job of lubrication of getting thicker grease into smaller spaces, like bearings.

Thanks again,

Greg

#17

Gregg I didn’t think you were arguing with me it is just an expression of mine. But now that it does exist…don’t argue with me…lol.

Now I need to go home and look at mine and see if it is lithium or not.

#18

OK well I am wrong also…at least I think I am. It doesn’t really say outright what it is made with. But the tech sheet says the soap is a aluminum complex. Not sure what that means but no mention of lithium. It is called blanco max ii put out by atco international. But it is specifically designed to resits water and chemicals used in cleaning and has high adhesion. Since it is made for food equipment I would say its plastic safe. I know it doesn’t mess up fishing reel plastic parts.

#19

Thanks to all for the affirmation we can use automotive, etc., lubrication products outside of the re-packaged hobby-sized lubes so readily sold for considerably more money. Years ago, a trusted source with LGB reported to me the oil sold by LGB in the “pen-sized” container was German transmission oil – and it was plastic compatible.

Meanwhile, here’s my lube experience helping at the massive outdoor layout in Palm Desert’s Living Desert layout. Against all conventional opinion, I used Mobil 1 chassis grease to lube the squeaking wheel journals on freight cars. A small dab on the tip of a tiny screw driver pressed into the axle socket brought quiet running and stilled the continued comments from visitors. Plus, no more guide-to-visitor speeches “we can’t lube because of the wind blown sand and dirt.” The result has shown no evidence of dirt working it’s way beyond the exterior axle/socket connection. Apparently, the grease actually provides a seal – and no more visitors suggesting willing product abuse from the squeaking.

Wendell