Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Other Technical Questions... => Topic started by: RipSlider on December 14, 2007, 06:48:06 pm

Title: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: RipSlider on December 14, 2007, 06:48:06 pm
Hello all.

Just a quick question - What type of grease is it best to use in the prop tubes?

Looking around the garage, I have the following types:

Silicone grease
Copper grease
Graphite grease
A big tub which just says "grease" on it and is very thick and smells dreadful.

Previously I've used copper grease in all my stuff tubes, but wondered if there was an "ideal" option?

Thanks

Steve
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: gribeauval on December 14, 2007, 06:52:05 pm
Have a look at this thread and make up your own mind! ;)

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=5344.0 (http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=5344.0)
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: J.beazley on December 14, 2007, 06:55:07 pm
As long as it keeps the wet stuff out most types i would say.

My personal preferance is Dow Corning high vacuum grease, lubes and seals with a 200degree heat range never let me down yet

Jay
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: DickyD on December 14, 2007, 07:38:19 pm
I use Robbe's Prop Shaft Grease.
Works for me.  O0
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: kiteman1 on December 14, 2007, 07:50:24 pm
I've always used Teflon grease because it's not affected by cold weather.  Some of the normal type greases can increase their density in cold periods leading to a higher battery drain...................

Bog standard grease has a clay base which can also break down after some time although this is mainly in very hot conditions but will normally be too thick for propshaft use.  This was used on cars in the old days before modern types were available and was discontinued because it wasn't fluid enough right from the start and that's when bearings get most wear, particularly wheel bearings.  This is because grease has a critical working temperature in that it needs to flow around the parts being lubricated and also needs to stick on the components to provide proper lubrication.
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: Peterm on December 14, 2007, 08:55:37 pm
I have always used sewing machine oil, available from Squires, and have had no problems.   Pete M
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: Ghost in the shell on December 14, 2007, 11:17:11 pm
i use castrol axle grease and ptfe machine grease
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: catengineman on December 14, 2007, 11:28:40 pm
I use cycle chain lube  O0

comes in handy spray tin and it will fill up the ASD's on tito neri very well ans since I've used it I've had no ingress of water through the ASD unit's

R,
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: Shipmate60 on December 19, 2007, 08:28:03 am
I use fishing reel grease, its waterproof and very thin so reducing drag on the shaft.

Bob
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: bigfella on January 07, 2008, 11:24:27 pm
Hi All

Would a smear of Vaseline on the actual Prop Shaft before putting it in the tube be OK as a lube and a rust inhibitor.

Regards David
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: Bunkerbarge on January 07, 2008, 11:57:58 pm
I really can't see why not.  It's a petroleum based waterproof grease so I would think it would work fine.

Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: bigfella on January 08, 2008, 12:08:11 am
Thanks Bunkerbarge I was unsure, because everyone is talking about using these expensive types of grease and I could not see why not use what is readily available.

Regards David
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: Shipmate60 on January 08, 2008, 01:05:21 am
One problem with vaseline is that when it is cold it goes almost solid. This can cause excessive drag on the motor which causes the consumption to rise, which reduces the duration on the water.
If you can use a thinner grease it reduces the drag on the propshaft.
One other thing is vaseline is horrible to remove cold, so repacking becomes much more of a chore.

Bob
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: bigfella on January 08, 2008, 03:35:03 am
Hi Bob

I can see how that would be a problem in the UK with the cold. But would you think it would be OK here in Australia where the temp would be around 18deg C at the coldest in winter, and that would only be for a couple of days?

Regards David
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: Bunkerbarge on January 08, 2008, 08:45:53 am
Bob brings up a good point there, not only does it go hard in the cold but it is a lot less stable in general i.e. it also thins down when it gets hot.

I can only suggest a bit of experimentation in your normal operating temperatures and make your decision before committing to putting it in your boat.
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: DickyD on January 08, 2008, 08:48:46 am
Hi All

Would a smear of Vaseline on the actual Prop Shaft before putting it in the tube be OK as a lube and a rust inhibitor.

Regards David

David Vaseline is actually water soluble. O0
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: bigfella on January 08, 2008, 08:59:08 am
Thanks Bob, Bunkerbarge and Richard. Vaseline is starting to look like a non starter. I might go to the Hobby Shop near me, the only boats they deal in is IC racing boats. However I will see what they have on their shelves.

Regards David
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: dougal99 on January 08, 2008, 10:37:10 am
I use Cycle Lithium Grease which I bought in a cycle shop (surprise surprise) I paid £1.50 for a 40g tube several years ago and it is still going strong (actually nearly finished).

HTH

Doug
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: Bunkerbarge on January 08, 2008, 11:51:24 am
Hi All

Would a smear of Vaseline on the actual Prop Shaft before putting it in the tube be OK as a lube and a rust inhibitor.

Regards David

David Vaseline is actually water soluble. O0

Text taken from the Unilever website:

History – respecting skin since 1870
In the 1860's, Robert Augustus Chesebrough, a chemist from New York, discovered Petroleum Jelly. In 1870, this product was branded as Vaseline Petroleum Jelly.

 
By 1875, Americans were buying Vaseline Petroleum Jelly at the rate of a jar a minute. Today, Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is a staple in medicine cabinets across the country.

 
In 1969, Vaseline scientists realized they could leverage modern technology to deliver the superior moisturization of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly in a light, non-greasy moisturizing lotion. Today, Vaseline is the #1 hand and body lotion brand in the US.

 
Just like Robert Chesebrough, the Vaseline brand is motivated by a passion and curiosity for skin. Skin is a complex and miraculous creation of nature. Our skin is amazing:

 
It is a major sensory organ with 32,500 sensory cells and 32 feet of nerves per square foot.

It protects us from adverse climate and infection.

It is our heating and cooling system that regulates our body temperature.

It is soft and flexible to allow movement but tough enough to prevent breaking or tearing.

It is waterproof but can emit water.


I'm not sure what they mean by emit water but it would appear not to be water soluable.

Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: DickyD on January 08, 2008, 12:08:03 pm


 
In 1969, Vaseline scientists realized they could leverage modern technology to deliver the superior moisturization of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly in a light, non-greasy moisturizing lotion. Today, Vaseline is the #1 hand and body lotion brand in the US.

 
Just like Robert Chesebrough, the Vaseline brand is motivated by a passion and curiosity for skin. Skin is a complex and miraculous creation of nature. Our skin is amazing:

 
It is a major sensory organ with 32,500 sensory cells and 32 feet of nerves per square foot.

It protects us from adverse climate and infection.

It is our heating and cooling system that regulates our body temperature.

It is soft and flexible to allow movement but tough enough to prevent breaking or tearing.

It is waterproof but can emit water.


I'm not sure what they mean by emit water but it would appear not to be water soluable.



Two words about Vaseline, moisturization and moisturizing. Normally mean water.

It is waterproof but can emit water refers to the skin not the Vaseline.  O0
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: Bunkerbarge on January 08, 2008, 01:21:03 pm
Ah Ha, that makes a bit more sense!  Thanks Dicky

Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: cbr900 on January 08, 2008, 01:59:50 pm
Bigfella,

I have been using Vaseline in my propshafts for years, with no problems, life span so far is trhee years before needing to be repacked...............


Roy in Tasmania
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: bigfella on January 08, 2008, 09:04:19 pm
Hi Roy

Do you sail in salt or fresh water?? and does it make a difference.

Regards David
Title: Re: what type of grease for prop tubes?
Post by: DickyD on January 08, 2008, 09:12:29 pm
Hi David
Roy sails at Golden Valley Private Dam, which is fresh water.
Salt water is obviously a lot more corrosive than fresh.  O0