A few days ago someone mentioned he uses Dexron 3 automatic transmission fluid on his locomotives gears and bearings. Has anyone ever tried it in a locomotive? I might use it on a MDC kit engine. LaBelle 108 is impossible to find at the local hobby shops. Thanks . Joe
Yes, I use Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid for locomotive lubrication and have had better results with it than any other lubricant.
The use of Dexron originally appeared here a couple of years ago and has been mentioned several times since. Its advantages are that it is plastic compatible, it doesn’t dry or harden, it is made to withstand extremes of temperature, it doesn’t attract dirt like some other lubricants, and it is inexpensive.
If I remember correctly, isn’t transmission fluid supposed to contain additives that makes certain plastics or rubber materials swell (to ensure that gaskets in transmissions remain well-sealed)?
If that’s the case, I’m not so sure if it’s a good idea to use ATF as a model loco lube…
it all depends on the tanny fluid tom dexron III is ok for plastic as most gm autos have alot of plastics on em and in em im sure it would be ok as cacole said and ive seen it a few other places just get a good brand of it and you should be ok or try it on a junker u dont care about see how it works… me personally ive use clipper oil and had no problems with it
I began to use Dextron II last fall, and cannot claim to have found any degradation in my locos. I use it exclusively now, new locos and old.
Of course, I take pains to ensure that it does NOT come into contact with any plastics, if I can help it. No sense in lubricating plastic, just the metal-to-metal surfaces that rotate.
Nope. Both Dextron II and III are plastic compatable. Transmissions have been computer controlled for a while now, which includes plastic housed relays and solenoids that are submerged in fluid.