Ron, I'm curious, you state moly dries out too quickly. If a piston is lubricated properly, how long would you estimate the moly to preform the way it should? Does it matter if it just sits, or will it last longer if used periodically? I have many, as you know, that sit long spells between uses.
I wouldn’t worry too much about “the moly drying out”. Moly is the gold standard for high pressure metal to metal lubrication. Moly should ideally be “burnished” into the compression tube. Where it is dry, and stays that way indefinitely. Moly, if applied correctly, will not diesel. If someone is less than careful and gets some grease ahead of the piston seal, or globs on some low grade moly grease, it may smoke for a few shots.
here is a quick tutorial on moly grease:
Moly grease, or molybdenum disulfide grease, works by leveraging the unique properties of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), a solid lubricant, combined with a grease base. Here's how it functions:
1. **Low Friction**: MoS₂ has a layered, hexagonal crystal structure, allowing its layers to slide easily over each other, reducing friction between surfaces. This is especially effective in high-pressure or high-load conditions where conventional liquid lubricants might be squeezed out.
2. **Extreme Pressure Resistance**: Under heavy loads, moly grease forms a protective film on metal surfaces. The MoS₂ particles adhere to the surface, preventing direct metal-to-metal contact, which reduces wear, galling, and seizing.
3. **High Temperature Stability**: MoS₂ is stable at high temperatures (up to ~350°C/660°F in air, higher in inert environments), making moly grease suitable for applications where other greases might break down. The base grease carries the MoS₂ and provides lubrication at lower temperatures, while MoS₂ takes over under extreme conditions.
4. **Anti-Wear and Corrosion Protection**: The grease base often includes additives that protect against corrosion and oxidation, while MoS₂ minimizes wear by maintaining a lubricating layer even under shock loads or boundary lubrication conditions (when surfaces are in close contact).
In summary, moly grease works by combining the low-friction, high-pressure, and high-temperature properties of MoS₂ with the sealing and protective qualities of grease, creating a robust lubricant for demanding conditions.