Lubrication Question
Moderator: Harold_V
Lubrication Question
For eccentrics such as an axle pump, what is the recommended lubrication, grease or oil?
- Bill Shields
- Posts: 10548
- Joined: Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:57 am
- Location: 39.367, -75.765
- Contact:
Re: Lubrication Question
Oil...
I have on occasion (as in for years) used pin lube oil or steam cylinder lube.
Same stuff on main, side rods
When in doubt lube with anything available.
I have on occasion (as in for years) used pin lube oil or steam cylinder lube.
Same stuff on main, side rods
When in doubt lube with anything available.
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
Re: Lubrication Question
I lube the motions on my steamers with lathe/mill way oil.
It tends to be more tacky and sticks around longer in use.
I see very little wear in those items over 16 years of running.
RussN
It tends to be more tacky and sticks around longer in use.
I see very little wear in those items over 16 years of running.
RussN
Re: Lubrication Question
I personally moved away from oil and started using good synthetic grease using needle zerk fittings. they hide well and it does not run out.
If it is not live steam. its not worth it.
Re: Lubrication Question
I recently visited cbrew and saw those mini needle Zerk fittings installed in rods and wheel centers and remain intrigued.
The fittings sit nearly flat with the surfaces and look like a good solution for our steamers.
Minimally visible and maximized function.
Hopefully he will post some pictures here.
RussN
The fittings sit nearly flat with the surfaces and look like a good solution for our steamers.
Minimally visible and maximized function.
Hopefully he will post some pictures here.
RussN
Re: Lubrication Question
well apparently the lens on the camera was not the cleanest, so the pictures are not the clearest. but here is want i have access to at the moment on the pacific I am working on
the zerks are on the rods and axle ends
the zerks are on the rods and axle ends
If it is not live steam. its not worth it.
-
- Posts: 1572
- Joined: Thu Apr 26, 2012 10:15 am
- Location: Tennessee, USA
Re: Lubrication Question
I recommend 80w90 rear end gear oil. It will cling, it has anti-wear additives in it, it is easy to find at big-box stores, auto parts stores, etc... and is fairly cheap. It will run you about $7 per quart. It will pump through a regular hand-held oil pump pretty easily. I used to use 30 wt. oil, which worked out ok, but I noticed that once my engine wore in a little bit, I would fill the oil cups with 30 weight and it would quickly empty out through the bearings. Going up to the 80w90 kept it in place longer, and I've been using it ever since, probably 30 years now.
Re: Lubrication Question
Thanks, everyone for all the replies. they have been very helpful.
Re: Lubrication Question
Steve, we've always used cylinder oil on the axle pump eccentric (Mobil Super Cylinder). Same for pins in the valve gear.
I've needle zerks on the knuckle and cross head pins. It does make a clean installation.
Re: Lubrication Question
I just reread this post and the light came on.
Be careful when selecting hypoid gear lube, as not all of them are compatible with copper alloys.
H
Wise people talk because they have something to say. Fools talk because they have to say something.
-
- Posts: 1572
- Joined: Thu Apr 26, 2012 10:15 am
- Location: Tennessee, USA
Re: Lubrication Question
If it says it is safe for Manual Transmissions, then it will be fine. Pretty much any of the store brands and most of the name brands say on the package that they are safe for manual transmissions. Been using it for 30+ years in multiple live steam locomotives and never had any issues.Be careful when selecting hypoid gear lube, as not all of them are compatible with copper alloys.
Re: Lubrication Question
That makes sense, as the synchromesh in transmissions is generally a copper alloy.Pontiacguy1 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 06, 2021 1:38 pmIf it says it is safe for Manual Transmissions, then it will be fine. Pretty much any of the store brands and most of the name brands say on the package that they are safe for manual transmissions. Been using it for 30+ years in multiple live steam locomotives and never had any issues.Be careful when selecting hypoid gear lube, as not all of them are compatible with copper alloys.
H
Wise people talk because they have something to say. Fools talk because they have to say something.