Just to refresh this topic…
What was the synthetic oil that was found to be plastic compatible…Mobil something…?
I want the one closest to “Labell Gear lube”.
I know that someone went to a bit of trouble to research this, and would like to find the thread, and make it a permanent refference topic, for all to find easily. Some new to LSC may want it for easy reference.
Fred
Mobil One is the brand, grease is the type.
However since most lubes are the same, I believe that all the Automotive Full Synthetics are safe.
John
Fred-
Two years ago plus, I did a comparative and investigative inquiry into manufacturers of fully synthetic lubes for our use. I think I posted it somewhere on LSC - probably in product review.
Meanwhile…
After a friend in management disclosed that LGB used a German transmission fluid they repackaged in their costly lube pens, I found that the singular feature of both their packaged oil and grease was they were plastic compatible. In the synthetic lube world, for example, Lubriplate is good and is a full synthetic. aIn addition, a number of food-quality lubes are fine. Around food they are all full synthetics with no petroleum base. The problem is the food industry does not package small squeeze tubes of oil or small containers of grease. If you have a dairy or milk production friend, that lube is likely available – bring a coffee can.
Continuing, there’s Mobile One synthetic motor oil - I use the 15-40 weight – reloaded into the LaBelle squeeze-type oil applicators. There are sources for the applicators online. now, there’s an assignment for a reader: What are the small container sources for loading our own oil? At any rate, I also use Mobil One bearing grease on the motor gears. It comes in a cottage cheese-sized container. The viscosity improvers in Mobil One starting at 15 wt. - when temp from friction is cold – may go up to 30 wt. in the axles and hotter internal motor gear shafts from continuous use – and that’s a guess. No matter, the product works and ends the excessively expensive LGB grease-in-a-tube purchases – that’s $12 bucks a tube for the dedicated LGB consumers.
For some, it is beyond reasoning to lube with the oil the inside of wheel axle sockets. I do it and the rolling resistance is at least imagined to be better – for sure no more squeaking.
NOTE: Caution, Whatever brand you choose, be sure that the product being used is FULLY synthetic.
Interestingly, the oils do not “start” at 15w and increase to 30w, but are 15w, and have the same “viscosity” at temp as 30w when it is hot, that is to say they do not thin out like a straight grade oil.
This is the reason for the lowered friction, that you are really running a lighter weight oil, that does not thin out significantly at running temp like a straight grade oil. The other benefit is that it does not radically thicken at low temperatures, easier starting of cars in very cold climates.
Greg
Dave Bodner gave me some Mobile One to fix an HO Athern F unit that was complaining. After a few drops, that thing quit complaining within a foot or two of running and ran for the rest of the show without so much as a squeak. At dare is good stuff.
I looked for Mobil 1 grease here in Ottawa, but could not find anyone that sold it. Two Canadian Tire stores in Gatineau, across the Ottawa River in the province of Quebec, sold it however. A 13 ounce grease gun cartridge was $10.50.
Thank you, Wendell, it was your report that I remembered. I thought that it should be preserved, for everyone to find it easily.
Fred Mills
I found Wendell’s original report in the review section. Could someone make it into a “Sticky” please. I think it would be handy for all of us, and also new people to the hobby.
Fred Mills
Hi,
I bought a Thomas set at the last York show the engine was not lubed. When I got it home I lubed it with white lithium grease, this is plastic compatible, is in a small tub around $7-8, no problems so far.
Chuck