Grease in worm gear?

RJR - I bought the syringe at a recent Greenberg show.  The needle part screws off and can be changed if needed.  

Paul

Thanks, Paul.  I'm surprised grease can flow through that thin needle.  I wonder where I can find one.

I note the grease is not R&T #2.  I wonder what the difference is..

RJR posted:

Thanks, Paul.  I'm surprised grease can flow through that thin needle.  I wonder where I can find one.

I note the grease is not R&T #2.  I wonder what the difference is..

RJR - actually the #2 is hidden under the tin foil

 I attended a seminar about grease, when I worked with sawmills, held by Erie Bearing. Studies done found premature bearing failure when mixing different grease types in a bearing. The reason was because of the different additives used in different grease types, when mixed, would become acidic. Mixing synthetic with lithium was at the top of the list for bearing failure. So they started a program where we could order any bearing with our preferred grease installed when the bearing was being made. Each band mill used four 6" pillow block bearings that cost $3,200.00 each and took a full day and four men to replace. We also learned all grease creates heat when forced into motion. Keeping temperature records of the bearings, using an infrared thermometer, helped us decide what grease we would order pre-installed. We found synthetic with Teflon to run the coolest. Sticking with the same grease saved tons of money.

 We have no idea what grease was previously used in our trains by the manufacturer or a previous owner. So I like to clean the old grease out with a Q-tip and solvent before introducing a new grease. I prefer this low friction grease. 

https://www.aaaindustrialsuppl...tfeteflon82340-.aspx

Here's a lube needle that you use with your grease gun(has zerk fitting on the end). This one is from Ace Hardware. It may be available auto parts store also.

Needle adapter

Thanks, Franktrain.  Those are available, but I really don't want to keep a grease gun around just for locos.  My experience is that they always leak eventually and leave a mess.

Back when cars had zerk grease fittings (my Studebaker had 26 or so), I kept a gun in a bag and using it was always messy. 

Dave Z:  So you agree with my father, who taught me many decades ago to never mix lubricants of different brands.  Funny, as the years ago, I find he was right more than I though then.

Yes RJR, 100%.  I should also add, and agree with G, not to "pack" the gear box. Grease holds heat. The worm gear needs room to stay cool. A thin coating on the gears is all that is needed. I've seen engines that are so packed that grease is pushed out through the axle bushings and filled up in the space behind the drivers. I'm sure heat expanded the grease pushing it out. I use Slick 50 synthetic engine oil additive with Teflon on all my axles.

I have been using the below syringes with no problems.  Just cut off the tip for the amount you want to apply.  Find it on Amazon, 5 syringes for $7.

5 x Monoject Curved 412 Tip Syringes 12 Cc , 5pcs - Tyco/healthcare- Kendal