Which weight oil should I be using to lubricate the axles on metal trucks: medium-weight or light-weight?
Also, should modern-era plastic trucks with needle-point axles be lubricated at all? What about post-war plastic trucks with flat-end axles? If so, what weight oil should be used?
Cheers!
Keith
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I use light oil, lightly applied. I dip a toothpick in the oil and drag the wet end across the axle and bearing if there is one. Not sure what you are "supposed" to use, if there is a rule.
Dennis
We suggest the XL Lubricants in med or light viscosities that are made here in the U.S.A. They are all synthetic and plastic compatible so they can be used on both metal and plastic trucks/axles. They come with needle point applicators which makes lubricating smooth and easy. See the line at www.megasteam.com
Mega-Steam posted:We suggest the XL Lubricants in med or light viscosities that are made here in the U.S.A. They are all synthetic and plastic compatible so they can be used on both metal and plastic trucks/axles. They come with needle point applicators which makes lubricating smooth and easy. See the line at www.megasteam.com
I'll second this! That is all I use for oil lubrication any more. Still use Red-n-Tacky for grease.
I use heavier oil like 10w-30 or straight 30-weight on postwar Lionel or Marx wheels that turn on steel axles, because the tolerances are sloppy and the heavier oil hangs in there better IMO. I don't consider it necessary to lube needlepoint axles in plastic trucks. But a lot of folks will have different preferences.
I use 5-20W motor oil, doesn't get gummy and stays on the axles for a very long time. I use Red-N-Tacky for gearboxes.
Try 0W-20 Mobil one full synthetic oil. Its got superior lubricity and is long lasting. Even P/W wheel on axle trucks run well with it.
Dennis LaGrua posted:Try 0W-20 Mobil one full synthetic oil. Its got superior lubricity and is long lasting. Even P/W wheel on axle trucks run well with it.
Ditto here, Mobil 1 or Quaker State full synthetic. $6 to fill a 1 oz. needle oiler 32 times.
These all sound like excellent choices! I bought the kit of XL lubricants from Mega Steam a while back and they work great and the tips make application quick, easy and neat!
I've been using household oil for years, haven't got around to motor oil yet. I don't lube plastic trucks.
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