| Grant | -- 07-01-2012 @ 4:57 AM |
|
Today I would like to check and top up the lubricant in our 1951's steering box. Is high pressure 85W-140 appropriate ? If not, what might be a better choice ? Are there any important do's and don't's that an amateur kinda-sorta-nearly-almost mechanic ought to know about before proceeding ?
|
|
| 51f1 | -- 07-01-2012 @ 5:53 AM |
|
Originally 90 weight oil was used. 85W-140 is a suitable substitute. It's what I use. Other people will tell you about exotic lubricants that can only be found at farm tractor dealers that may leak less than 85W-140, but, if it didn't leak, it wouldn't be a Ford. Just add the new oil to the old. Richard
|
|
| mdurhan | -- 07-01-2012 @ 3:59 PM |
|
It is not at all exotic; and it sure isn't expensive either..... It is called corn head grease and you can buy it at your local John Deere dealership. It probably wasn't around in 1951. It is like a fresh bowl of cake frosting - not quite solid and not quite liquid. When disturbed, it settles. If you have a leak, depending upon degree of leak, it will either stop or significantly slow the loss of lube. I was put on to it by a stockcar racer who had hot headers right next to his steering box. He swore by it. I have learned to appreciate it very much. Don't rule something out just because it wasn't around in 1951. Sometimes product offerings get better. I highly recommend corn head grease. Stick a tube in your grease gun and fire it in the fill hole of your steering box. You will have no regrets. Yours from V-8 Land, Mike This message was edited by mdurhan on 7-1-12 @ 4:02 PM
|
|
| Grant | -- 07-02-2012 @ 5:37 AM |
|
Thanks for your assistance, gentlemen. Much appreciated.
|
|
| supereal | -- 07-02-2012 @ 7:52 AM |
|
Be cautious about putting any lube in the steering box that doesn't contain some liquid. The "sweet spot" on the worm is in near constant contact with the sector, and without lubrication, will receive abnormal wear. If you put grease in the box, add a bit of 80-90-or 90-140. Some prefer a bit of STP.
|
|
| 51f1 | -- 07-02-2012 @ 12:24 PM |
|
Mike: When I referred to the John Deere lubricant as "exotic," I was just kidding. It's exotic to me because there is no John Deere dealer nearby that I know of. Anything that will stop some of the leaking oil has got to be a plus. Richard
|
|
| EFV-8 Club Forum : | https://www.earlyfordv8.org/forum |
| Topic: | https://www.earlyfordv8.org/forum/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=18&Topic=4880 |