I've been asked several times recently where/how/what is "fuel lube".
It's a synthetic grease which does not dry out or gum up and is used to assemble fuel valves, connectors, primers, etc.. It is not affected by fuel and is intended to keep moving parts lubricated so that galling/spalling is not a problem.
While Parker used to make the stuff it appears they've stopped. (Rumor has it that their product had a dangerous ingredient but I don't know if that's true or not.)
A supposedly identical product is "EZ Turn" lubricant, which meets the same Mil-Sped Mil-G-6032D (same as SAE-AMS-G-6032). Available in 5-oz tubes, enough for you and all your buddies (or 1-lb cans for the recent A&P school graduate who needs a lifetime supply.)
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention. An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
Since EZ-Turn isn't affected by fuel, it also isn't affected by many other hydrocarbon solvents. Scuttlebutt in the RV (Vans, that is) world is that it's advisable to do what you can (disposable gloves, etc.) to keep this stuff off your hands, as it can be difficult to remove.
Miles
Miles
“I envy no man that knows more than myself, but pity them that know less.”
— Thomas Browne
Yes, the literature from the MSDS recommends nitrile gloves.
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention. An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
It's a synthetic grease that is unaffected by fuel and solvents and valves/primers is what it purports to keep lubricated.
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention. An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
fishdoc wrote:Would this be useful in lubricating my primer?
Even though my mechanic rebuilt it last annual it is very stiff and difficult to stroke.
George answered your question in an indirect way but I can say the I have successfully lubed a stiff primer I've had.
I would make sure the o-rings are good in fact I'd just replace them, they have probably swelled a bit. While your at it look into the primer tube and make sure there is no gunk like stuff in there. I had some and cleaned it with a cotton patch swab and solvent. New o-rings lubed with fuel lube and all has been well for years now.
CAUTION - My forum posts may be worth what you paid for them!
Bruce Fenstermacher, Past President, TIC170A
Email: brucefenster at gmail.com
Thanks for th e replies fellas.
I'll attempt lubricating and replace the O rings if that doesn't work.
Will WD 40 do any harm to the O rings or other components?
fishdoc wrote:Thanks for th e replies fellas.
I'll attempt lubricating and replace the O rings if that doesn't work.
Will WD 40 do any harm to the O rings or other components?
I started to say that WD 40 is nothing but fish oil....You can use it as a condiment on your breakfast toast if you want , it won't hurt anything...It is a good fix-it all...I use it on the shaft of the primer, run a couple of pumps.... and usually all is well.
Then Patrick came in the office and told me he wants to join the Coast Guard.... I lost the last post I was writing. Most of you guys are of the military persuasion. He can't join the Army or the Marines because he has a steel rod running down his right leg. I'm not very military prone... after all, Mr. Nixon dropped the draft 28 days before my 18 Th birthday...and I have never had a draft card. And I thank God and Mr. Nixon for that every day... Any thoughts on how to handle Pat?....He Wants to make something out of his life, which I appreciate...... Brad
Moderators note: I split Brads original post to another topic Advice about serving in the Armed Forces (http://www.cessna170.org/forums/viewtop ... f=5&t=7278) as the thread had jumped in that direction. However I wanted to leave Brad's advice about WD40 and primers here and copying it back was the most elequant method I saw available to accomplish that.
CAUTION - My forum posts may be worth what you paid for them!
Bruce Fenstermacher, Past President, TIC170A
Email: brucefenster at gmail.com
Can't say if it was WD40 that swelled my o-rings up once or not. Probably not though.
So no I can't say one way or another but the fuel being pumped throught the primer with probably wash the WD40 off in order rendering it in effective anyway.
CAUTION - My forum posts may be worth what you paid for them!
Bruce Fenstermacher, Past President, TIC170A
Email: brucefenster at gmail.com
I have used WD40 to lube my primer and it has worked well, but as Bruce said, it is temporary. I have also used LPS-1 with the same results. I suppose I should just change the O rings.
"You have to learn how to fall before you learn how to fly"
My primer was really stiff in cold weather.....(0*f)...so after reading these posts I decided
new O rings and a cleaning were in order. My mechanic friend suggested fuel lube but I was
worried about it being too stiff in the cold.....so....I elected to go without fuel lube.
Cold day......same stiff primer ....I mean really stiff. So we take it apart once more and
put a little fuel lube on the o-rings.....just to shut him up.
Put it back together and presto.......just like friggin' butter.............
I HATE it when that kid is right......he gets this little smirk on his face....
did I mention that I hate it when he's right ????
Jim Martin
'46 Aeronca Chief, 160 hp ( homebuilt )
'56 170 square tail, 180 hp.
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