Best Engine Lubricant

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hey guys,

I am curious to know what everyone’s opinion is on the best lubricant to use. The project I am starting on is taking a somewhat beat SD70 Genesis and transforming it into a UP flared radiator 70 with all the bells and whistles.

Currently, the have the entire locomotive disassembled right down to the gears in the trucks. I am cleaning all of the old gunk from the gears and truck casings along with the drive shafts and drive gears. After I get them cleaned the engine will need new lubricant when I start reassembling the engine.

I am looking on model train stuff and see all sorts of lubricants, granite, light, heavy etc. What do you all recommend me using for this project. In case it matters I am modeling in HO scale.

Thanks

Will

2

Plastic compatible grease on the gears. Light or medium oil on the worm bearings, engine bearings and wheel bearings.

3

Will,

Labelle makes a great product and is plastic-compatible. Labelle 108 for axle, brushes, and bearings and 106 for gear box and worm gears.

Tom

4

I use Dexron/Mercon transmission fluid on everything. A small drop on the gears and bearings is sufficient.

5

I use full synthetic Mobil 1 very light weight motor oil–0/20 weight.

Richard

6

Thanks everybody for the quick replies. Interesting the wide array of products used.

7

NorthWest Short Line (suppliers of gears and gearboxes) recommends LaBelle #102 Gear Oil.

Wayne

8

I’m the odd man out…I use BSRT slot car oil and G-Lube for HO slot cars.These are light weight oil and grease.The G lube will work its way into the teeth of the gears and will eliminate gear noise…

9

I have a large amount of light oil made for Penn fishing reels. Works great for me.