Flex Shaft Lube

[Don Templeton]

I know we've gone over this before but I can't find it.

Is there something I can pick up locally that works OK.

Don

 

[Slideblues]

Your gonna get dozens of different answers on this one, but here is all I use, White lithium grease at any Auto Zone or O'reilly, toothpaste size tube, $1.69 Flush with WD-40 and relube each time ya run,

Gene ;D

 

[wswatzell]

Would axle bearing grease work? :-

 

[Ron Olson]

Only if you use the high speed stuff. I've used a 50/50 mix of STP and 20w50 racing oil for my OB's and have tried it on the IB's too. Some have used 90wt oil instead of the 20w50. I usually use Hughey or Prather grease most of the time and have some white lithium grease in a spray can that I'd like to give a shot. Maybe look for some graphite based lube.

 

[nitrotoys]

Lately I have been using a normal grease, (tube) grease and mix antiseize into it. Not alot, but it seems to last longer on the cables and for those that know how antiseize is, it dont just wash off.

Been running in all boats, found its lasting longer than anything else i have tried.

NT

 

[Ron Zaker Jr]

Don,

I would really considering switching to an"on board" oiling system.I am using this system on my Hydros and really feel it is better overall.(thanks Stu) The driveline feels much more free,smooth and is much ,much cleaner.I use a mixture of STP oil treatment(75%) and synthetic motor (25%).The on board tank is a piece of carbon tube(3inches long) with rubber caps on the ends,and a brass pressure fitting coming out the bottom.Drill a 3/32 hole in the top of the tube as a filler hole,and that's it.I fill it before every heat.I use one of Mike Z's boom collars,drilled and tapped for a pressure fitting for the connection to the shaft log,a short piece of fuel line to carry the oil and that's it.Mount the "oil tank" above the shaft log and gravity does the rest.My 2 cents.

Ron Jr

 

[TimD]

Hi Ron,

Any chance of a pic of the setup?

Thanks,

Tim.

 

[bsmtboy2]

I use to use the Prather grease but i was enlightened by Andy Brown to switch to Lubriplate No.115 water pump grease. This stuff lasts a whole weekend of racing . If Andy Brown can go 100mph plus with this stuff i am convinced it is what i am gonna use. Go to www.Lubriplate.com or buy it directly from andy brown at www.cmdracing.com

 

[Ron Zaker Jr]

Tim,

Maybe I can have someone take a pic this weekend,I'll post it next week.

Ron Jr

 

[Shane2]

The flex shafts on weedeaters are greased with a regular high speed bearing grease. I alway used shell grease, as it is high speed, high temp, and water proof. I would think that the same principles would apply to flex shafts in RC boats too.

And for those of you that use WD-40, I learned the hard way that wd-40 leaves a shellac behind if it is allowed to sit on metal for a long time (rumor has it that this is because it worked so well they added this ingredient so you would have to buy more.) Just pick up any antique mechanical device that was last lubed with WD-40 and you will see what I mean. For aluminum, I prefer alumalube, triflow, or breakfree CLP. The last two will work well on any metal.

 

[Don Templeton]

"Wow"

I sure got a lot of good options out of that question. Ron, that oil tank idea sounds pretty good. Did that idea come from Stu Barr?

Thank's Guys,

Don

 

[Ron Zaker Jr]

Don,

Yes, Stu started this awhile ago,I finally listened to him and gave it a try,works grrrrrrreat!

Ron Jr

 

[TomMoorehouse]

Don,

I would really considering switching to an"on board" oiling system.I am using this system on my Hydros and really feel it is better overall.(thanks Stu) The driveline feels much more free,smooth and is much ,much cleaner.I use a mixture of STP oil treatment(75%) and synthetic motor (25%).The on board tank is a piece of carbon tube(3inches long) with rubber caps on the ends,and a brass pressure fitting coming out the bottom.Drill a 3/32 hole in the top of the tube as a filler hole,and that's it.I fill it before every heat.I use one of Mike Z's boom collars,drilled and tapped for a pressure fitting for the connection to the shaft log,a short piece of fuel line to carry the oil and that's it.Mount the "oil tank" above the shaft log and gravity does the rest.My 2 cents.

Ron Jr

ive seen this setup...... it is real SLICK! get it... pun intended

ron have mike z take a picture.....

 

[ClayGlover]

yep, i saw that setup on larry lahue's hydros one year in the pits. i think he runs with ron zaker and stu barr as well. it's a trick setup, easy to fill and you don't have to remove the shaft to lube.

btw, man those guys are fast as hell!

 

[nitrotoys]

YES Please post pics on this set up, Would be willing to give it a shot.

 

[TimD]

If Ron Jr and Stu Barr use it then that's all the convincing I need.

Thanks Ron.

Tim.

 

[Kris Flynn]

I think i saw/read on RC Boat that you should be carefull with them because they leak and there will be alot of the lube going into the water...just curious if you noticed this Ron?

Kris

 

[Ron Zaker Jr]

Kris,

I really never noticed any oil slicks or anything like that around the boat while static.

Ron Jr

 

[Ron Olson]

Here's a setup for OBer's that I saw at the Internats. Bob Kensill used a boost bottle from a .12 engine, drilled a hole in the bottom, mounted it upside down on the side of the OB and ran a piece of fuel line to the lower unit to provide a constant flow of lube to the cable.

 

[Rick Cesati]

Just wanted to bump this topc back up to see if anyone can post a pic of the onboard oiling system?

Thanks in advance!

Rick