Re: plastic-metal-lube

"mark_digital©" <976-XXX@comcastnot.com> wrote in message
news:rJadnUcIxO1edVnYnZ2dnUVZ_uSgnZ2d@comcast.com...[color=blue]
> Searching around my abode for some light lubricant for a small DC motor I
> happened to spot a small unused aerosol can of Mobil 1. The motor itself
> isn't binding but the long metal shaft is. There's three speeds. At the
> lowest speed setting the shaft doesn't want to turn. The end of the shaft
> simply inserts into a mating plastic hole which is integral to the plastic
> housing.
> Mobil 1 or what would you suggest?
>[/color]

If the shaft is binding in the plastic collar, a dab of automatic
transmission fluid or silicone spray would be friendlier to the plastic than
motor oil or petroleum-based oil. You can also try removing the shaft from
the plastic and using a fine steel wool or 1000 grit sandpaper on the metal
shaft and cleaning the shaft thoroughly before re-installing it in the hole.

If the motor binds even when it is not in the plastic hole, check the
condition of the motor brushes and springs or try WD-40 on the motor itself,
avoiding getting it on the plastic.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

"Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
news:7a57d$45c4f0bf$47c2b532$7812@msgid.meganewsservers.com...[color=blue]
>
> "mark_digital©" <976-XXX@comcastnot.com> wrote in message
> news:rJadnUcIxO1edVnYnZ2dnUVZ_uSgnZ2d@comcast.com...[color=green]
>> Searching around my abode for some light lubricant for a small DC motor I
>> happened to spot a small unused aerosol can of Mobil 1. The motor itself
>> isn't binding but the long metal shaft is. There's three speeds. At the
>> lowest speed setting the shaft doesn't want to turn. The end of the shaft
>> simply inserts into a mating plastic hole which is integral to the
>> plastic housing.
>> Mobil 1 or what would you suggest?
>>[/color]
>
> If the shaft is binding in the plastic collar, a dab of automatic
> transmission fluid or silicone spray would be friendlier to the plastic
> than motor oil or petroleum-based oil. You can also try removing the
> shaft from the plastic and using a fine steel wool or 1000 grit sandpaper
> on the metal shaft and cleaning the shaft thoroughly before re-installing
> it in the hole.
>
> If the motor binds even when it is not in the plastic hole, check the
> condition of the motor brushes and springs or try WD-40 on the motor
> itself, avoiding getting it on the plastic.
> --
>
> Ray O
> (correct punctuation to reply)
>[/color]

Will do. Thanks. The shaft is a elongated squirrel cage type blower which
will normally turn effortlessly with a simple brush of my finger. Low speed
consumes about 25 watts AC all told between motor and circuitry. I wanted to
avoid taking the whole unit apart but if a drop of transmission fluid will
do the trick I don't mind.

"mark_digital©" <976-XXX@comcastnot.com> wrote in message
news:oYWdnRTOsNOymFjYnZ2dnUVZ_tOmnZ2d@comcast.com...[color=blue]
>
> "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
> news:7a57d$45c4f0bf$47c2b532$7812@msgid.meganewsservers.com...[color=green]
>>
>> "mark_digital©" <976-XXX@comcastnot.com> wrote in message
>> news:rJadnUcIxO1edVnYnZ2dnUVZ_uSgnZ2d@comcast.com...[color=darkred]
>>> Searching around my abode for some light lubricant for a small DC motor
>>> I happened to spot a small unused aerosol can of Mobil 1. The motor
>>> itself isn't binding but the long metal shaft is. There's three speeds.
>>> At the lowest speed setting the shaft doesn't want to turn. The end of
>>> the shaft simply inserts into a mating plastic hole which is integral to
>>> the plastic housing.
>>> Mobil 1 or what would you suggest?
>>>[/color]
>>
>> If the shaft is binding in the plastic collar, a dab of automatic
>> transmission fluid or silicone spray would be friendlier to the plastic
>> than motor oil or petroleum-based oil. You can also try removing the
>> shaft from the plastic and using a fine steel wool or 1000 grit sandpaper
>> on the metal shaft and cleaning the shaft thoroughly before re-installing
>> it in the hole.
>>
>> If the motor binds even when it is not in the plastic hole, check the
>> condition of the motor brushes and springs or try WD-40 on the motor
>> itself, avoiding getting it on the plastic.
>> --
>>
>> Ray O
>> (correct punctuation to reply)
>>[/color]
>
> Will do. Thanks. The shaft is a elongated squirrel cage type blower which
> will normally turn effortlessly with a simple brush of my finger. Low
> speed consumes about 25 watts AC all told between motor and circuitry. I
> wanted to avoid taking the whole unit apart but if a drop of transmission
> fluid will do the trick I don't mind.[/color]

ATF is friendly to plastic and rubber. Use an old-fashioned oil can or a
syringe or eye dropper to apply the ATF.

Good luck!
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)