Lubricant for high pressure O rings

[RollingStone]

When rebuilding a PCP what specific brand of lubricant or product are people using on the O rings in the high pressure sections of the gun. I read in many places that a silicone lubricant must be used for safety but they never suggest a specific product and I have yet to find such a product that recommends it for high pressure locations on the label. I was thinking of using whiscombe honey but in at least one article it was stated that the only reason it doesn't diesel is that little if any gets inside the skirt. What are the forum's thoughts ? I'd like to hear from those who have actually used a specific product in rebuilding guns.

 

[I_Like_Irons]

Actually, there is no real danger with using any lubricant for which the o-ring material is rated for in a high pressure air system. Only in sudden pressure increase systems such as the spring piston is there a worry of combustion. But, in the quasi-static state that most PCPs are subjected to, there is very little chance of that happening. Now, if one were to fill with oxygen, then that is a whole different situation. 

That said, the "go-to" lubricants are silicone based greases. The breathable air grades (sold as diver's silicone), and the various industrial brands are essentially the same stuff. The breathable air grades just pay a bit more attention to trace contamination and cost a bit more. 

With the typical Buna-N o-rings, just about any lubricant will do. Vasoline, to Valvoline motor oil, to Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil, to plain old lithium grease to . . . will lubricate the o-rings nicely. It is only important not to mix grease or lubricant types as the mixing can have adverse effects on the effectiveness of the lubricants.

Oh, and you don't need much in the way of lubricant. Use just enough to coat the o-ring with a thin film. If you use too much, then the excess can migrate into the valve and then into the barrel. But, that may or may not wind up being a problem.

 

[RollingStone]

Thanks for the response Irons. I'm rebuilding a Marauder with O rings I got from Archer Air but they don't say what they are made from. As a result it would seem either using white lithium lubriplate (that I use on my shoebox) or whiscombe honey (if you ever mix a batch you certainly have plenty) would work in small amounts.

By the way on another topic have you ever mounted iron sights on a maurader? The Williams rear adjustable aperture seem an obvious choice but what would work for a front post or better yet a front globe with replaceable inserts? I'm thinking height would be a problem for the two sights matching up.

Thanks for the help.
Roll'in 

 

[John "spysir" Blount]

For 20 years or so the standard I have always heard of and used is "divers grease" and NOTHING else. 

Just the first link I saw online to it:

https://www.amazon.com/Trident-Silicone-Grease-Jar/dp/B00V2G2BWQ

Pure silicone is what I think all pre-charged airgun manufacturers use the $5-10 for a life time supply works well for me.

John

 

[RollingStone]

Hey Spysir, I'd forgotten I also have a jar of grease for my Hill air pump and I bet that is the same thing ! I now think I have enough lube for 3 lifetimes !!

 

[RollingStone]

Update: I totally rebuilt my .22 Marauder using hill pump grease ( sparingly ) on the high pressure parts and whiscombe honey on the low pressure sections and everything is working well, didn't diesel and no leaks !!! By the way Crosman is definitely the cheapest place to buy stock marauder parts and offer great service !!!

 

[jamieinmd]

I bought a seal kit for my HW100 and it came with white lithium grease.

 

[JamesD.]

Who knows if general SAE kits, Metric Buna 70 Nitrile kits will have what's needed for most rifles?

Will Korean rifles by Japanese standard sizes?

Right now I need a M27x3 or SAE 213. The 213 maybe tight. I'm looking but have only found M27x1.5

Do air gun companies have full blueprints if paid for info or do I have to measure every gland, etc. You can't really take a rifle down & compare old rings with much success as the HPA will have distorted the rings in one way or another.

Anyone found one or several kits that cover just about everything?

 

[heavy-impact]

Super Lube is what Earnest Rowe uses at FX USA. The 97008 is the same as the little tube but you get almost 3x as much for an extra $2 https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-97008-Lubricating-Translucent/dp/B07BNQZZLW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548472537&sr=8-1&keywords=super+lube+97008

 

[heavy-impact]

I bought a seal kit for my HW100 and it came with white lithium grease.

Take care to not get lithium grease on your skin. One of the bad side effects is that it can stop your soldier from standing at attention.

Silicone grease is basically non-toxic.

 

[Scotaty]

While we are talking about lubrication. Should a hammer be lubricated or just the shaft that slides into it? Fx impact 

 

[heavy-impact]

While we are talking about lubrication. Should a hammer be lubricated or just the shaft that slides into it? Fx impact

They come from FX dry so I'd say they don't require it.

 

[Blackthunder]

Use good quality silicone grease. Many manufactures recommend Molykote 33. Some of the products mentioned above can make your o-rings swell or even cause explosions.

As for the hammer, don't use grease; it will lead erratic shot pattern; dry lube only! I use WD40 specialist, but you can also use graphite.

 

[olekz]

Question, would you use the Light or Medium Molykote for O-Rings?

 

[Peskådot671]

I've used diver's grease, Hill pump grease and recently just purchased some SuperLube silicone o-ring grease from Amazon but haven't tried it out yet. 

 

[mtnGhost]

I've used diver's grease, Hill pump grease and recently just purchased some SuperLube silicone o-ring grease from Amazon but haven't tried it out yet. 

This definitely works great on nitrile o-rings. Just make sure it's 93003!

 

[elh0102]

My impression is that many of us use too much lubricant on O rings. Regarding lube in high pressure areas, silicone should not be used in any amount that could migrate to metal-on-metal threaded parts, as it can cause seizing. If you just touch your finger to silicone grease, and then massage an O ring, leaving it essentially dry, you probably have enough on it. 

 

[elh0102]

As for the hammer, don't use grease; it will lead erratic shot pattern; dry lube only! I use WD40 specialist, but you can also use graphite.

Recommendations seem to vary on the question of lubing the hammer. Maybe it depends on specific design and material. I once experience erratic velocities and poor accuracy with my RAW rifle. The maker told me that was usually caused by dry and/or dirty hammer assembly. He recommended cleaning it and lightly lubing with a good synthetic oil, such as Mobil One. I did that, it fixed the problem, and it has not recurred in several thousand shot cycles. Seems to me, any metal-on-metal moving parts should have some type of lubrication.

 

[Robg7734]

I also use 30w silicone shock oil as an intermediate lube out in the field, especially if they weather is going to go from real humid, to really dry in a short time. Or on really dry, hot days. Just make sure it's %100 silicone.

 

[Joshua777]

ok....so new here but thought id chime in , if i can help anyone. 14 years springer tunning,but new to the pcp game. the best lube ive found for seals and orings is..... TRANMISSION FLUID! yes doesnt sound sexy ,but you know that crossman pellgun oil been around for years? transmission fluid! safe for orings and platic seals. old mechanic told me ounce it is slippery-er then motor oil. the best ive found is Castor oil universal. seems to be a little thicker and slippery-er then most. excellent transmission oil and great for air guns, and redilly avalible.