WD40 (Water Displacement formula#4o) is not a lubricant. It gets gummy over time.

I've read that several times. Lubricating oil also becomes gummy over time.

Then what do you use for lubrication?

PS., I use liberal amounts of WD40 to clean out gummy oil, then re-oil the bearing.

 

I used Hoppes Gun Oil for years because it has no varnish. Then the latest fractional HP motors changed to a different bushing and it is so tight that Hoppes oil bursts into flame. Next up is transmission fluid because my teacher described it as a good grade of oil with some red dye and a LOT of detergent. Other people here use SAE 20 motor oil.

 

It is said that unlike plain lubricating oils, WD4o had unsaturated oils in it -- some suggested it was just fish oil. Those oils are known generally as drying oils (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drying_oil ). Another good example of one is linseed oil. They polymerize eventually to a thick goo or even a hard paint. Pure mineral oils, like spindle oil, do not undergo the same reaction (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spindle_oil) .

Two keys to WD-40's success was marketing and the perfume used in it.

John

 

Then what do you use for lubrication?

Duct tape?

 

For something that comes from a spray can, I like CRC 336. It is not viscous, but provides excellent rust prevention. For something a little thicker, Mobil one works well. I still use WD-40 as a solvent, and for short term lubrication, but not for rust prevention, or long term lubrication.

http://wd40.com/files/pdf/msds-wd482671453.pdf

 

Mobile 1 motor oil or high speed bearing oil..WD-40 stands for Water Displacement Not bearing lube lol.. Alot of people use wd-40 on guns and such.. Then over time the liquid turns into a gummy substance to displace the water which was the origional design and wd-40 also states its for light lubrication... So IMO bearing lube is a no go.

 

ND20 motor oil or Mobil Velocite #10

 

I've read that several times. Lubricating oil also becomes gummy over time.

Then what do you use for lubrication?

PS., I use liberal amounts of WD40 to clean out gummy oil, then re-oil the bearing.

You haven't mentioned what it is that you want to lubricate. There's a whole universe of highly specialized lubricants out there.

 

There is a DuPont silicone oil with Teflon. Excellent for high temp / high speed motors an also works well on plastics and rubber without swelling (this is my favorite). About $4 from your local Lowes or $10 if you order online.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_124699-39963-D00100101_0__?productId=1007929

 

Thanks everyone.

No one mentioned 3 in 1 oil? Is that because it's lifetime is short and it too turns gummy?

I used to resurrect discarded floor fans. Most of the time, all it took was to clean up the motor, flush the bearings with WD-40 until the fan started turning, and finally add 3 in 1 oil. They would last a year when they'd be replaced with new fans resurrected from roadside trash.

I'd use motor oil after this thread, but practically it probably wouldn't extend the life too much, because of bearing wear. But using motor oil is my take away.

 

Duct tape?

@joeyd999 - you're always good for the lighter side. LOL

 

Thanks everyone.

No one mentioned 3 in 1 oil? Is that because it's lifetime is short and it too turns gummy?

I used to resurrect discarded floor fans. Most of the time, all it took was to clean up the motor, flush the bearings with WD-40 until the fan started turning, and finally add 3 in 1 oil. They would last a year when they'd be replaced with new fans resurrected from roadside trash.

I'd use motor oil after this thread, but practically it probably wouldn't extend the life too much, because of bearing wear. But using motor oil is my take away.

For bearings, I too use WD-40 to clean them up, but then I lubricate them with a graphite-based sprayable lubricant.

 

Two keys to WD-40's success was marketing and the perfume used in it.
John

Interesting poit... I hadn't given a thought to WD-40's characteristic smell before...

 

Maybe it was initially sold as parfum and then somebody discovered its water displacement properties...

 

Hello,

How about this (well known) engeneering flowchart:

Bertus

 

WD-40 until the fan started turning, and finally add 3 in 1 oil. They would last a year when they'd be replaced with new fans resurrected from roadside trash.

Exactly!

My MTBF is 7 years and I won't let WD-40 or 3-in-one on my truck.