Best lube to use when rebuilding/lubing a pump

[Gixxer340]

I have been using Jacks lube and I am beginning to think that it is not very good for this application. It doesn't seem to be slippery enough and i think that it actually causes more heat and friction than necessary. Does anyone have recommendations on what they use to lube their pumps? What works the best?

Thanks

[Gixxer340]

I think I just answered my own question. It looks like this is the stuff to use. I couldn't really find a place to get the exact same stuff except from Hill directly. I am going to try rebuilding the benjamin with this and see if it helps it last longer. We'll see.

https://www.pyramydair.com/product/hill-hand-pump-nlgi-2-silicone-grease-40g?a=3888

[alex77147]

I used silicone grease and I don't like it, pump doesn't feel lubed well, and the grease doesn't feel slippery enough.  Someone mentioned using silicone oil, its is more like motor oil and should do the trick, thats what i'm going to use when I put my pump together.

[pyroboy33]

I would use something like this brother: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Scuba-Diving-Silicone-Grease-5g-1-6-oz-O-Rings-Regulator-Valve-Seals-/180926749820?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D2446169665059796542%26pid%3D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D180926749820%26

[markasaurus]

Silicone grease, the 100%   kind, is the only lubricant to use on   a PCP pump.  No other lube makes sense.  A pump goes to 3000 psi, which creates pressure and heat that is way above the flash point of any other lubricant.  It baffles me that any pump maker advises its customers to use MOTOR OIL  in aPCP pump, this is illogical and probably unsafe. 

[PakProtector]

Will be using Krytox fortified with boron nitride...top shelf stuff, and not available in small qty..regular GPL205 should be fine.
cheers,
Douglas

[GarthThomas]

That Dow Corning molykote33 that Gene sc has mentioned else where looks pretty good as well.

[averagejoe]

I would stick with the silicone grease as it is non toxic. It may feel like it is not working but if it wasn't you would have a hard time pulling and pushing your pump due to friction.

[Cal]

Silicone grease, the 100%   kind, is the only lubricant to use on   a PCP pump.  No other lube makes sense.  A pump goes to 3000 psi, which creates pressure and heat that is way above the flash point of any other lubricant.  It baffles me that any pump maker advises its customers to use MOTOR OIL  in aPCP pump, this is illogical and probably unsafe.

Don't be obsessive.  FX recommended the use of motor oil for years because it works FINE.

Compressed air does NOT spontaneously ignite petroleum products.  Adiabatic compression heating of air could easily do so. But,  HOW Fast do you pump?  The seals won't last long if you are running at those kinds of temps!  When is the last time you talked to someone that "blew up their pump" while pumping when using "motor oil".  Could happen?  but, not likely!  I'll be the first to advise if it happens to me,  and hand pumps are my only source for my two PCPs.

Silicone lubes are about as slippery as WATER.  With lubricity so low, added heat and wear are inevitable.

Hi Tech lubes like krytox are great, but over kill for compressed air.  Necessary for pure oxygen or oxygen rich breathing gasses. Plus I don't suggest breathing oil wetted compressed air.

The commercial production of compressed gasses has relied on mineral oil lubricated pumping machines for many many years.  Without many failures.

I'm not saying that safety is to be ignored,  but don't sensationalize something that is not really an issue.

Lubing the outer piston of a multi stage foot pump  with motor oil is a safe bet.  But I would NOT lubricate a high pressure oxygen regulator with the same.
(in fact,  I would not lubricate a high pressure oxygen regulator at all, but I have lubricated distribution fittings and systems using pure oxygen for aviation application with Krytox.  Just don't smoke with the stuff on you fingers!

Do what you want...As will I.

[OleTomCat]

Cal, Why not smoke with Krytox on your fingers it is inert and will not support combustion?

[averagejoe]

Compressed air does NOT spontaneously ignite petroleum products.  Adiabatic compression heating of air could easily do so. But,  HOW Fast do you pump?  The seals won't last long if you are running at those kinds of temps!  When is the last time you talked to someone that "blew up their pump" while pumping when using "motor oil".  Could happen?  but, not likely!  I'll be the first to advise if it happens to me,  and hand pumps are my only source for my two PCPs.

Look here. http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=13977.0 The hose exploded and the base of the pump was cracked after first use after rebuild using motor oil.

Silicone lubes are about as slippery as WATER.  With lubricity so low, added heat and wear are inevitable.

Then why does Hill recommend its use with their pumps? As you said how fast are you pumping? If you pause to let it cool as you should and pump properly then heat is not a problem.

Cal, Why not smoke with Krytox on your fingers it is inert and will not support combustion?

Because the stuff is extremely toxic.

[OleTomCat]

Cal, Why not smoke with Krytox on your fingers it is inert and will not support combustion?

Because the stuff is extremely toxic.

Cut from the MSDS for Krytox:  Doesn't seem very Toxic to me, may cause a 24hr flu like symptoms but nothing toxic....

I have used this stuff for the past five years and it never even gave me a rash...

HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Potential Health Effects
Skin contact may cause skin irritation with discomfort or
rash. Prolonged skin contact may cause redness and
inflammation of the hair follicles without skin
sensitization.
Eye contact may cause eye irritation with discomfort,
3890PP DuPont Page 2
Material Safety Data Sheet
(HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION - Continued)
tearing or blurring of vision.
Inhalation of fluorine compounds released as decomposition
products above 290 degC (554 degF) may cause lung irritation
and pulmonary edema which require medical treatment.
Inhalation of fumes or smoke from overheated or burning
grease may cause polymer fume fever, a temporary flu-like
illness accompanied by fever, chills, and sometimes cough,
of approximately 24 hours duration. Repeated episodes of
polymer fume fever may cause lung damage.
Carcinogenicity Information
None of the components present in this material at concentrations
equal to or greater than 0.1% are listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA or ACGIH
as a carcinogen.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST AID MEASURES
----------------------------------------------------------------------
First Aid
INHALATION
If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give
artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
Call a physician.
SKIN CONTACT
Flush skin with water after contact. Wash contaminated clothing
before reuse.
EYE CONTACT
In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water
for at least 15 minutes. Call a physician.
INGESTION
If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Immediately give 2 glasses
of water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Call a physician.
Notes to Physicians
Activated charcoal mixture may be administered. To prepare
activated charcoal mixture, suspend 50 grams activated charcoal in
400 mL water and mix thoroughly. Administer 5 mL/kg, or 350 mL
for an average adult.
3890PP DuPont Page 3
Material Safety Data Sheet

[Zelph]

Cal, Why not smoke with Krytox on your fingers it is inert and will not support combustion?

Like smokers are worried about that? They already inhale poison, what is a little more?

[SciGuy]

The Krytox is biologically inactive.  Should you take a blowtorch to the stuff, don't inhale the vapors and all is good.  I'm using the GPL 205 on my Shoebox compressor and it is great.