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VPI bearing oil/grease?

I know this has been discussed and forgive me but I'm a little confused. Most of my confusion is from talking with Mike at VPI. I called VPI years ago to ask what type of lubricant to use, the answer was white lithium grease. ( no mention of any of this in the owner's manual) After my bushings were replaced a few years later with bronze, I inquired as to what oil/grease was recommended. The answer was 40W oil. After reading other posts here, I've read that Mike has recommended Mobil synthetic, I don't ever recall them recommending VPI bearing grease to me or anyone. I'd like to get a definitive answer from VPI users here. Thanks.
128x128slaw
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,467 posts
 
VPI told me they have a new (about a year ago) super grease to be used on my Superscoutmaster. I have been using it with success.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
In my experience, with a TNT Mk II, Slick 50 turned to sludge. I don't believe they recommend it any more. Mobil 1 worked best for me.
srwooten's avatar
srwooten
694 posts
 
Mike told me white lithium for my Scoutmaster and 40 weight for the motor bearing and their damping fluid for the damping trough.
markd51
763 posts
 
I'll try to clear this up a bit.

Yep, the newer, inverted Bearing use-require grease.

The older, non-inverted, well type bearings used Oil.

When Mike at VPI suggested-recommended an Oil such as Mobil 1, either 5-50W, or 10-30W, he wasn't haphazardly guessing. These synthetic Oils have very good properties making them ideal for use for their Platter Bearings.

If Thom Mackris of Galibier Design were to chime in, or if you went to Galibier's site, you'll get some basic explanations about bearings, basic properties, and that tolerances can often dictate what viscosity of Oil will be needed.

As Thom would probably tell you, with very tight, precise tolerances, one would never be able to successfully use a relatively heavy viscosity Oil, the Bearing would take forever, and a day to fully seat.

That tolerances will dictate what viscosity will ideally work per given bearing. In the case of a VPI conventional non-inverted bearing, when brand new, a lighter Oil may suffice. if the Bearing"s thrust-bushing surfaces have worn, one then might find the need of a slightly heavier viscosity, to lessen rocking-play of the bearing shaft in the well.

There must be a science to this, in that too light, or too heavy just isn't going to cut it. In every instance-application, one will no doubt need to find the Oil that works "just right".

For me, with my VPI MK-IV Bearing, either Mobil 1 10-30W, or 5-30W works just fine. An oil such as 50W, or heavier in my particular Bearing, would never work, unless I sit on the Platter to get it to seat, and you certainly don't want to do that! Mark
oakleys
78 posts
 
Markd51- thanks for the info. good stuff.
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