Which Formulation of Krytox to Use On PCP's

[beachgunner]

Hi,

I want to get a tube of Krytox for all my lubrication needs on my PCP's. I'm told this is the way to go and it can be used in any application on a PCP. So, that being the case, I'd like to get some.

However, the choices are numerous. There is;

GPL201
GPL202
GPL205
GPL206
GPL207

And the list goes on. Some have moly, some have anti-corrosion additives. Which one is everyone using? Does it even matter?

This is from the distributors website, but it does not help me pertaining to PCP usage.

Thanks for any feedback and clarification in advance.


GPL217

[Back_Roads]

 I would only use  Krytox on the trigger parts. Use 30 weight silicone r/c car shock oil or divers grease on orings and anywhere high pressure air is stored.

[PCPhack]

I use 204 or 205. I have a tube of each. I only use it inside my balanced JSAR valves and regulators. On static orings, I just use divers silicone.

[beachgunner]

I would only use  Krytox on the trigger parts. Use 30 weight silicone r/c car shock oil or divers grease on orings and anywhere high pressure air is stored.

Why would I only use it on trigger parts? This is contrary to what I've been told in the past.

PTFE, or any flourines for that matter, are non-combustable and high pressure rated. I thought this was why so many in the air gun world have adopted it as a general purpose lubricant. It cannot explode, combust, ignite, or go bang in any manner.

I'm getting conflicting information on silicone grease too. Some say it is all they use on their O-rings, yet in the GAMO manual for my Coyote PCP, it specifically warns against using silicone products on the O-rings.

It would be great if one of the longstanding experts on this forum would do a post about this and make it a sticky for all to see. I thought that was the case, but I cannot find one.

[nervoustrigger]

X2 on what Back Roads said.  Krytox is great for a springer’s compression chamber because it won’t diesel but it is not necessary in a PCP.  There is no ignition source.  Just use 30W silicone oil on sliding O-rings and silicone grease as an assembly aid for static ones. 

[beachgunner]

X2 on what Back Roads said.  Krytox is great for a springer’s compression chamber because it won’t diesel but it is not necessary in a PCP.  There is no ignition source.  Just use 30W silicone oil on sliding O-rings and silicone grease as an assembly aid for static ones.

Jason,

Okay, I've ordered some silicone "diver's" grease. Is Pellgun Oil silicone oil? Can I use that? I've got a couple tubes of that laying around.

Thanks,

[PCPhack]

Do NOT use pellgun oil in a PCP! That is for lower powered CO2 or pump guns. I have understood it may diesel in a PCP.

[nervoustrigger]

Pellgun oil has been incorrectly referred to as a silicone oil but it is actually a petroleum lube. 
https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2007/10/b-b-was-wrong-the-story-of-crosman-pellgunoil/

Crosman’s silicone chamber oil is but I suspect it is overpriced compared to 30W silicone shock oil that’s marketed to the RC car hobby. 

[beachgunner]

Okay, so silicone grease and silicone oil are safe for all PCP applications? I just want to make sure I'm understanding this correctly.

I'll get some RC oil. Roger that on NO Pellgun Oil.

Thanks,

[nervoustrigger]

Correct, any pure silicone oil or grease is suitable for high pressure areas of a PCP.  Oil for dynamic seals, grease for static seals.  The only dynamic seals in a PCP will be the one for the bolt probe, and if regulated, the O-rings on the regulator spool. 

Do not use silicone for metal-on-metal contact points. It is a poor lubricant for that.

[AlanMcD]

To add to what Jason said and clear a few things up . . .

People are telling you not to use Krytox on PCP seals not because it does not work, but because it is not needed - it is overkill.  You can use it if you want, but the stuff is expensive and provides no benefit over regular silicone in these "static" uses.  For most o-rings, the lube is simply an assembly aid that helps insure everything goes together well with a good seal - and there is no movement of the seals once the gun is pressurized, at least until we de-pressurize it (that is why sometimes a seal can start to leak after the gun is depressurized without touching that seal - the act of depresurizing the gun can cause the seal to move and possible not re-seal as well later).

The last thing Jason said is not to use silicone for metal-on-metal for the right reasons - this, combined with the above viewpoint, is why you were told to only use it on the trigger parts.

I do use Krytox in my PCPs for anything I want to lube that has movement - it is a better lube for that.  So I use "divers grease" (actually plumbers o-ring grease from Home Depot) on my static seals, and Krytox on the trigger parts, JSA SS Valve poppet o-rings, foster fitting o-rings, bolt, and anything else that moves that I want to have lube on (the hammer is a whole separate debate - some like to lube, some don't).

Of course, others will say it is "better" to use a thin coat of dry moly on the trigger parts, bolt and maybe even hammer, and they are not necessarily wrong - either lube will work in that case . . . . and of course moly is much cheaper than Krytox.  But I do love Krytox too.

[Taso1000]

Michael,

I bought Ultimox:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/ULTIMOX-226-Perfluoropolyether-PFPE-PTFE-Grease-40-gm-Auto-O2-205-206-226-/281071718178?hash=item41712e0f22

It's cheaper than Krytox but the same stuff.  I've had it two years and you can't tell any is missing from the container because you use so little of it.  I only use it in the air path of my pcp's.  I also put some on screw on endcaps so that they don't corrode and seize.

I want to try it on my Shoebox pistons but haven't yet.

Taso

[beachgunner]

To add to what Jason said and clear a few things up . . .

People are telling you not to use Krytox on PCP seals not because it does not work, but because it is not needed - it is overkill.  You can use it if you want, but the stuff is expensive and provides no benefit over regular silicone in these "static" uses.  For most o-rings, the lube is simply an assembly aid that helps insure everything goes together well with a good seal - and there is no movement of the seals once the gun is pressurized, at least until we de-pressurize it (that is why sometimes a seal can start to leak after the gun is depressurized without touching that seal - the act of depresurizing the gun can cause the seal to move and possible not re-seal as well later).

The last thing Jason said is not to use silicone for metal-on-metal for the right reasons - this, combined with the above viewpoint, is why you were told to only use it on the trigger parts.

I do use Krytox in my PCPs for anything I want to lube that has movement - it is a better lube for that.  So I use "divers grease" (actually plumbers o-ring grease from Home Depot) on my static seals, and Krytox on the trigger parts, JSA SS Valve poppet o-rings, foster fitting o-rings, bolt, and anything else that moves that I want to have lube on (the hammer is a whole separate debate - some like to lube, some don't).

Of course, others will say it is "better" to use a thin coat of dry moly on the trigger parts, bolt and maybe even hammer, and they are not necessarily wrong - either lube will work in that case . . . . and of course moly is much cheaper than Krytox.  But I do love Krytox too.

Alan,

Thank you for the clarification. I think I've got it now. I guess being relatively new to PCP's, I'm trying to find the one lube that will do everything so that I don't make a dumb mistake and put lube A where I should have used lube B or C. I'm just trying to keep it simple and safe until I get more experience.

I appreciate you taking the time to help me out. I'm still thinking of going with Krytox or Ultimox just for the above reasons.

[beachgunner]

Michael,

I bought Ultimox:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/ULTIMOX-226-Perfluoropolyether-PFPE-PTFE-Grease-40-gm-Auto-O2-205-206-226-/281071718178?hash=item41712e0f22

It's cheaper than Krytox but the same stuff.  I've had it two years and you can't tell any is missing from the container because you use so little of it.  I only use it in the air path of my pcp's.  I also put some on screw on endcaps so that they don't corrode and seize.

I want to try it on my Shoebox pistons but haven't yet.

Taso

Taso,

Thank you, that looks like a good alternative to very expensive Kyrtox.

[beachgunner]

Correct, any pure silicone oil or grease is suitable for high pressure areas of a PCP.  Oil for dynamic seals, grease for static seals.  The only dynamic seals in a PCP will be the one for the bolt probe, and if regulated, the O-rings on the regulator spool. 

Do not use silicone for metal-on-metal contact points. It is a poor lubricant for that.

Jason,

Thanks, okay, yes that is the differentiation I'm looking for. I'll go ahead and put some silicone oil on the bolt O-ring of my Coyote today. I've just noticed that it is not as smooth to cycle as it once was, and I am hoping that will help

[allan_wind]

The only thing divers use on o-rings for the tank seal is silicon grease (unless it is a high oxygen path and then you use Triibolube 71).

[mobilehomer]

Another reason to use Krytox on the static O-rings is that it is much slicker than silicone grease. Easier to install valve and gauge block.

[Jr007]

Michael,

I bought Ultimox:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/ULTIMOX-226-Perfluoropolyether-PFPE-PTFE-Grease-40-gm-Auto-O2-205-206-226-/281071718178?hash=item41712e0f22

It's cheaper than Krytox but the same stuff.  I've had it two years and you can't tell any is missing from the container because you use so little of it.  I only use it in the air path of my pcp's.  I also put some on screw on endcaps so that they don't corrode and seize.

I want to try it on my Shoebox pistons but haven't yet.

Taso

I try it on a gas piston it did smooth out the cocking and soften firing cycle. I used the GPL205.

[KnifeMaker]

If you find yourself out of the silicone grease and need it quick, any auto parts store sells it for spark plug boots. They call it spark plug boot grease or dielectric grease. Usually in what they cal the help Isle.
Great when you live 30 miles from the nearest Lowe's

to stop binding in steel to metal fittings, such as when you have to thread a steel screw or fitting into alu. , Use Anti Sieze. Also sold at any auto parts store.  Sold at Lowe's as NOALOX Joint compound. Much bigger bottle,and a Lot cheaper!

And finally, when it comes to PCP's and optics, never-ever count on the advice of BB.  Sometimes called the GodFather of Airguns. His advice is uneducated in PCP's and at times, down right dangerous!

He was informed years ago that peloil was dangerous by numerous in the know AirGunners. He ignored them all. As he usually does. He is a legend in his own mind.       

[beachgunner]

Thanks for the wisdom Knife. I just got in a 2 oz. jar of silicone grease today, and that looks like it'll last me for years.

Yes, I think Tom Gaylord is well intended, but sometimes he is off the mark. Like anything else to learn, gather as many sources as possible.