Head lubricants

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K

Kailani

In an effort to ensure a decent service cycle, I intend to liberally lubricate the pump cylinder. Peggie recommends SuperLube or Sea Lube, Teflon-based products. Jabsco's service instructions indicate Vaseline. I have not been able to locate any Super Lube at WM, Boaters World or any nearby automotive supplies stores. I did find Star Brites White Teflon Lubricant. Looks similar. Other options? Recommendations? I would like to avoid turning another screw on this contraption for the rest of the season.
 
M

Marcia

Super Lube

We bought our super lube at a fitness store. Used to lubricate gym equipment.
 
Jul 12, 2004
285
Catalina 320 chestertown
Super Lube

http://www.plumbingworld.com/lube.html Super Lube can be purchased on the WEB. This is just one place it can be found.
 
B

Bill O'Donovan

Teflon is preferred

That's what Peggie the Headmistress will tell us. The problem arises when people use vinegar to overclean their system. It breaks down the Teflon and washes it out. So don't use vinegar. Just use CP to clean and KP after pumping out.
 
Dec 2, 1997
8,959
- - LIttle Rock
Who told you vinegar breaks down Teflon grease?

That doesn't make any sense, 'cuz Teflon is just an additive used in both petroleum and synthetic greases. Vinegar would have to "break down" every other lubricant too. What's your source for that claim?
 
Jul 3, 2006
2
- - Everett,Wa
why not use cooking oil!

The previous owner of my boat left a bottle of cooking oil in the head and advised me to use a few teaspoons every so often in the head as well a drop on the shaft,(piston) to keep it working well. Results are in the years of service on the head, easy, cheap and thus to this time no problems!
 

rsn48

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Jun 7, 2005
257
- - Sewell Marina - West Vancouver
Cooking oil may not be so good

I can't reply to cooking oil in the head, but I can address cooking oil lubricating a turntable a few decades ago. The results from a broke college student using cooking oil on a turntable were dismal at best. At first the cooking oil was great, but it became stiffer and stiffer; eventually the turntable barely moved. I wouldn't use cooking oil. How about mineral oil; I use it on our cutting boards at home.
 
Dec 3, 2003
2,101
Hunter Legend 37 Portsmouth, RI
Forget ANY Oil

Have you ever seen a cooking oil bottle on the shelf after a year? It is coated with a tacky scum that's very difficult to dissolve and remove. That's what the inside of your holding tank will look like in a few months. For obvious reasons, you wouldn't use a petroleum-based oil, either. WM sells a Head Lube (that's the name) product that I use once every season, or two. It's really good. Use something that's designed to go into the head. Forget the other stuff.
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
mineral oil works for a very brief period.

You can use mineral oil but it only works for a very brief period. I believe this is the stuff that they sell you a Worst Marine. Super Lube can be found a Lowe's and usually any bicycle shop.
 
Dec 2, 1997
8,959
- - LIttle Rock
Any lube that's thin enough to be flushed

will just wash out in a few flushes...so using vegetable oil, mineral oil, or any liquid "head lube" product is a never-ending battle every couple of weeks...thick teflon grease lasts at least a full season and is about a 30 minute job. A bottle of "head lube" is about $7 and MIGHT last a season...a tube of SuperLube or other thick teflon grease costs about $4...you can use it to lube seacocks too...and the same tube will prob'ly still be in your tool box 5 years from now.
 
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