[TowerTalk] Rotator Lubricant

[Glenn Wiebe]

I said:

> A friend who is not on the Internet would like to know what
> kind of grease to use in his Ham IV bearing in mind that the
> temperatures at 50N get right down there in winter. Any
> comments would be appreciated.

Here are the replies received:

> Hi Glenn...tell your friend to use White Lube or White Grease....Its not 
> bearing grease but for overall temperature changes it cannot be beat.  It 
> is made by several companies and most are the same texture and have the 
> same inert chemicals.  There is nothing exotic about the grease but it 
> works very well.  Ordinary bearing greases are too heavy and tend to bind 
> the bearings and over time they either harden due to the cold or run off 
> due to heat...neither bother the White Lube....He will be a happy guy and 
> it isn't messy to use.  I have rotators up for over 5 years without a 
> problem.....Lonnie  (NT6B)

> Glen:  Here in Indpls,  Ind I use some " super lube " by Permatex.
> Bought at the local auto supply store.  It is a multi purpose synthetic
> based lubricant with teflon.  The temp rating is a -43 C to a + 232 C or
> a - 45 F to a + 450 F.  I think I did my math right !  Cost a few bucks
> here.  Comes in a 85g squeeze tube.  The stuff should last a zillion
> years.
> 
> Take care,
> Mike W9KY

>         According to Roger, WB0DGF, who worked at TELEX Communications, in 1993
> they started using NYE NYOGEL-727F, a synthetic, low temp, lubricant in
> their rotor motor assemblies.
>         This grease will permit normal operation to -30 degrees F (-34 degrees C).
>         Does that help you?
>         I'm sure using a WEB search engine of all other engine, WWW.DOGPILE.COM,
> you can find the manufacturer who will lead you to a distributor near to you.
>         If you cannot find it on the WEB, my next suggestion would be your local 
> large library who may have "Thomas' Registery" which you may find the
> manufacturer based upon the name. NYE NYOGEL.
>         GOT IT?
>         Aloha, Lee

> I use bicycle/Motorcycle CHAIN lube. It is in a spray can, and is
> designed to cling to what you have sprayed it on. AS IN FAST MOVING
> CHAIN. It works great and dependable.
> 73, Hugh
> K7XM

> Glenn: I have had soem success with "White lithium grease with teflon" 
> made by "CRC".  I got it from a local NAPA auto parts store a fewyears
> ago.  Comes in a 369 gram spray can.  I was useful for snowmoblie tracl
> lube as well.  If he can't get that try the Kleen Flow "Tef-lube 2000"
> which also comes in a spray can.  All he needs is a light spray of
> either just on the bearings, the reduction gears and the ring gear. 
> Avoid getting anything on the brake wedge or the passage that it runs in
> to ensure good winter operation.  I also wrap my Hy-gain rotore with a
> automotive battery blanket, which seems to help a lot when its -30 C or
> colder, but takes a few hours to warm them up.  Have had lots of grief
> with rotors and cold weather in the past but these seem to work ok.  I
> think using a teflon based grease is the key.
> 
> Good Luck
> 
> Sam Ferris
> VE5SF 

Thank you again for replying.

Glenn...VE4GN


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