I need to lubricate the chain in my steering linkage. I'm thinking about using White Lightning which is a synthetic non grease based chain lubricant I use on my bicycles. What is anybody else using as a chain lubricant? Also what are you using on your cables, bearings, sheaves, etc.? Thanks for your help. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
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I use a spray lube
Gary, I have some chain and cable lube in a 12 or 16oz spray can that I think is made by LubriPlate. I may be wrong on the manufacturer and the can is on-board so I can't check it. It is a dark wax-type lube that is designed for chains- it won't fly off. Of course, the steering doesn't move at high speed, but the same lube applies. I put a paper towel behind the chain or cable and then saturate the steering parts throughly. Once every spring is enough. Now, do you know of a way to lube the shift and throttle cables? Maybe it is not necessary? Rich
Gary, I have some chain and cable lube in a 12 or 16oz spray can that I think is made by LubriPlate. I may be wrong on the manufacturer and the can is on-board so I can't check it. It is a dark wax-type lube that is designed for chains- it won't fly off. Of course, the steering doesn't move at high speed, but the same lube applies. I put a paper towel behind the chain or cable and then saturate the steering parts throughly. Once every spring is enough. Now, do you know of a way to lube the shift and throttle cables? Maybe it is not necessary? Rich
Lube
Gary Don't know what kind of steering system you have, but I seem to remember you may have a C36. Try Edson's website. I know their catalogs also have lots of helpful maintenance information. Stu
Gary Don't know what kind of steering system you have, but I seem to remember you may have a C36. Try Edson's website. I know their catalogs also have lots of helpful maintenance information. Stu
Super Lube.
Gary: Use super lube, the same stuff that you use on your head. One tube, multiple functions.
Gary: Use super lube, the same stuff that you use on your head. One tube, multiple functions.
Gary
If it's an Edson they want you to use 30w motor oil on the chain and ONLY teflon grease on bushings. Fisheries Supply has a kit for $50-$60, it has their grease and some replacement parts. The also have this info on their web site. Ken S/V Vina Del Mar
If it's an Edson they want you to use 30w motor oil on the chain and ONLY teflon grease on bushings. Fisheries Supply has a kit for $50-$60, it has their grease and some replacement parts. The also have this info on their web site. Ken S/V Vina Del Mar
Lube Chain With #30 Weight Motor Oil
Ken Sturgill is right on! For an Edson helm, an EXCERPT from their web site which may be one of the FAQs at http://www.edsonmarine.com/FAQ/index.html (didn't check the cite): "Lubrication of needle bearings should be done by squeezing Edson Fig 827 Teflon Lubricant into the holes located on top of the bearing housings inside the pedestal bow. Spin the wheel when squeezing the lubricant in to make sure the entire bearing is serviced. Winch grease or water pump grease can be used as an alternative, but don't let the bearings run dry. Do not over grease as it will run onto the brake pads. Oil the chain with #30 weight motor oil. Do NOT grease chain as it does not penetrate the links. Inspect the condition of the wire, tension of the wire and lightly oil. Edson recommends placing about 5 layers of "Kleenex" on the palm of your hand, squirt oil on the tissues and lightly oil the wire. This will lubricate the strands but will also "flag" a broken or hooked strand by tearing off a small section of tissue. If you do have a wire break, replace the wire immediately. See Edson Fig 775 wire and chain replacement kits. (Caution: Wire splinters can cause painful cuts.) Replace the wire after 5 years. If still good, keep the old wire on board as a spare. To check for proper wire tension, lock the wheel in position by using the pedestal brake, or by tying off the wheel. Cable tension is best when you cannot move the quadrant or drive wheel by hand with the wheel locked in place. Over tightening will greatly reduce the sensitivity of the system. It must be emphasized that all on board must be familiar with the care and operation of the Steering System and engine controls. One person must be assigned the job of maintenance and must be thoroughly familiar with the operation and intent of all the equipment. If at any time your Steering System makes strange noises or reacts differently than it has previously, you must find the causes immediately and correct the problem." Edson Stering Pedestal Inspection Form: http://www.edsonmarine.com/pdf/steeringinsp.pdf
Ken Sturgill is right on! For an Edson helm, an EXCERPT from their web site which may be one of the FAQs at http://www.edsonmarine.com/FAQ/index.html (didn't check the cite): "Lubrication of needle bearings should be done by squeezing Edson Fig 827 Teflon Lubricant into the holes located on top of the bearing housings inside the pedestal bow. Spin the wheel when squeezing the lubricant in to make sure the entire bearing is serviced. Winch grease or water pump grease can be used as an alternative, but don't let the bearings run dry. Do not over grease as it will run onto the brake pads. Oil the chain with #30 weight motor oil. Do NOT grease chain as it does not penetrate the links. Inspect the condition of the wire, tension of the wire and lightly oil. Edson recommends placing about 5 layers of "Kleenex" on the palm of your hand, squirt oil on the tissues and lightly oil the wire. This will lubricate the strands but will also "flag" a broken or hooked strand by tearing off a small section of tissue. If you do have a wire break, replace the wire immediately. See Edson Fig 775 wire and chain replacement kits. (Caution: Wire splinters can cause painful cuts.) Replace the wire after 5 years. If still good, keep the old wire on board as a spare. To check for proper wire tension, lock the wheel in position by using the pedestal brake, or by tying off the wheel. Cable tension is best when you cannot move the quadrant or drive wheel by hand with the wheel locked in place. Over tightening will greatly reduce the sensitivity of the system. It must be emphasized that all on board must be familiar with the care and operation of the Steering System and engine controls. One person must be assigned the job of maintenance and must be thoroughly familiar with the operation and intent of all the equipment. If at any time your Steering System makes strange noises or reacts differently than it has previously, you must find the causes immediately and correct the problem." Edson Stering Pedestal Inspection Form: http://www.edsonmarine.com/pdf/steeringinsp.pdf
Super Lube Spray.
Gary: Super Lube also makes a spray lube. This is one of the most highly recommended lubricatants for bicycle chains. They are subjected to a much worse environment than any steering system on a boat will ever see.
Gary: Super Lube also makes a spray lube. This is one of the most highly recommended lubricatants for bicycle chains. They are subjected to a much worse environment than any steering system on a boat will ever see.
chain and wire replacement
How many of you are replacing their chain and wire every 5 years? BTW, I think the Edson teflon lube that comes with their kit IS Superlube. A very small tube of it at that. Edson is good but it sure is expensive!
How many of you are replacing their chain and wire every 5 years? BTW, I think the Edson teflon lube that comes with their kit IS Superlube. A very small tube of it at that. Edson is good but it sure is expensive!
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