ARH Super Moly Paste Small Clumps

[Thor760]

I bought a small tub of Air Rifle Headquarters Super Moly Lube back in Sept of 2021.  I went to use it today on a gun I am working on and noticed it was slightly thicker and leaving very small clumps when applying with an old craft paintbrush.  I made sure to stir it completely before application.  Is there a trick to thinning it out.  Perhaps adding a small splash of mineral oil?  Suggestions are appreciated.

[subscriber]

I would add a little mineral oil and mix it up.  That is, providing you are not using it inside the compression chamber of a spring piston airgun.

[Thor760]

I would add a little mineral oil and mix it up.  That is, providing you are not using it inside the compression chamber of a spring piston airgun.

Applying to a Gamo piston and the outer lip of the Piston seal.

[subscriber]

Many would avoid any grease that contains mineral oil for that, due to the potential for the grease migrating ahead of the seal, and burning by compression ignition. AKA dieseling.

From the search results below:
https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=196170.0
https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=156178.0
https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=97327.0
https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=141964.20
https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=38580.0

https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Agatewaytoairguns.org+gamo+piston+grease&sca_esv=2bd1bbaced4e221a&sca_upv=1&rlz=1C1NDCM_enUS793US793&sxsrf=ADLYWIJVVhJH0BJgRZnCuHQfiRlpE1A2lA%3A1726968013815&ei=zXDvZpm7MdWfkPIP3rS8iQs&ved=0ahUKEwjZ1YGYsdWIAxXVD0QIHV4aL7EQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=site%3Agatewaytoairguns.org+gamo+piston+grease&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiLHNpdGU6Z2F0ZXdheXRvYWlyZ3Vucy5vcmcgZ2FtbyBwaXN0b24gZ3JlYXNlSNxSUK4LWMVEcAR4AJABAJgBNqAB6giqAQIyM7gBA8gBAPgBAZgCAKACAJgDAIgGAZIHAKAHiwg&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

[JuryRigger]

Just a thought, but...
If it's 'dried-out' over time, then you wouldn't want to add oil-you'd want to replace whatever solvent was in there, I should think...
That's assuming that it has in fact 'dried-out' and not started doing something else I suppose... 
I know that automotive anti-seize does something similar (clumps and gets thicker/loses volume); and a quick search turns up a MSDS for a Permatex-branded auto product, containing:
"DISTILLATES (PETROLEUM), HYDROTREATED HEAVY
NAPHTHENIC"
So, perhaps it does contain a solvent of some sort?...
Not sure... 
Jesse

[subscriber]

Solvents are generally flammable, so unless the solvent is meant to evaporate before use, that sounds potentially more diesel prone than oil.

One the other hand, I find it hard to see how molly powder would stay in place, completely dry.

[Buk]

Send an email to ARH about this problem.  I'm sure many of us would be interested in his response........

[jus Tom]

I have a container of the same super moly paste and have had it for several years with no sign of clumping... that I can notice. I recently replaced a nitro piston in one of my Benjamin rifles and applied a VERY small amount of the paste in the same manner that the OP is using on his rifles' seal.
My rifles' combustion tube and factory seal was totally dry upon disassembly and very little dirt came out while cleaning with brake cleaner.  Yet..apparently my VERY small amount of paste was more than needed as it took well over 100 shots before the dieseling - smoking subsided.
Another live and learn moment. 

[Thor760]

Send an email to ARH about this problem.  I'm sure many of us would be interested in his response........

I reached out to ARH and he said to add any high quality silicone oil or mineral oil if desired.  He also said clumping is not an issue if smoothed out.  Good info.

The whole idea is to use the Moly paste sparingly and keep it away from the top of the piston seal anyway.  Good to know there are a few options to thin it out if it gets too thick.

[Thor760]

I have a container of the same super moly paste and have had it for several years with no sign of clumping... that I can notice. I recently replaced a nitro piston in one of my Benjamin rifles and applied a VERY small amount of the paste in the same manner that the OP is using on his rifles' seal.
My rifles' combustion tube and factory seal was totally dry upon disassembly and very little dirt came out while cleaning with brake cleaner.  Yet..apparently my VERY small amount of paste was more than needed as it took well over 100 shots before the dieseling - smoking subsided.
Another live and learn moment. 

Ha!  I noticed mine was slightly clumping when painting it on the side of the piston seal and piston body.  The paste in the jar looked fine.

One must be very careful with this stuff or any lube that can diesel.  Before reassembly I triple check the top of the piston seal and wipe away any stray Moly that snuck its way onto the top of the piston  seal. 😂