 Joined: 29/05/2008(UTC) Posts: 272 Location: USA
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Has anyone here used a lubricant on the motor commutator and brushes? In the radio-controlled car/airplane world, it's quite common to lube the brushes for decreased arcing. Being an outdoor activity, fumes are not an issue.
I know Atlas makes a product called "Conducta-lube" which is meant for this purpose in model railroading, and I'm sure there must be other manufacturers of similar products. Supposedly these products reduce arcing, current draw, and extend brush and commutator life.
Can anyone here report on this in the context of Märklin? |
Marty
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Joined: 31/08/2007(UTC)
Posts: 414
Location: Kennesaw, GA
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I use a product that I find INVALUABLE in my work on high-end audio electronics. It is made by a company called Techspray, and is called "Rid-Ox". Removes oxidation, leaves protective coat behind. It has revived many an old audio potentiometer/fader that many products cannot touch.
I often find that my Märklins run MUCH smoother at lower speeds also after treatment. If you try it, be aware that it is under VERY high pressure in the can, and only a very little goes a long way. I will often spray some onto a cotton swab and clean sliders with it as well.
Don Taylor
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Joined: 28/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 136
Location: Newton Abbot, Devon. UK.
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Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Marty
<br />Has anyone here used a lubricant on the motor commutator and brushes? In the radio-controlled car/airplane world, it's quite common to lube the brushes for decreased arcing. Being an outdoor activity, fumes are not an issue.
I know Atlas makes a product called "Conducta-lube" which is meant for this purpose in model railroading, and I'm sure there must be other manufacturers of similar products. Supposedly these products reduce arcing, current draw, and extend brush and commutator life.
Can anyone here report on this in the context of Märklin?
Peco market an oil called "Electrolube" which is supposed to be suitable. I have had some success with it on motors with "squealing" brushes. I find it does make a bit of a mess after a while as it mixes with the carbon dust from the brushes. Incidentally this is the same oil the British Army use to lubricate weapons. Cheers, Peter. |
3 Rail/2 Rail Märklin, Fleischmann, Roco. DCC. |
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 Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC) Posts: 18,771 Location: New Zealand
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 Joined: 11/10/2006(UTC) Posts: 2,151 Location: istanbul,
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Don hi,
Rid-Ox must be a similar product to Philips Contact Spray. Have you used the Philips too? Do you think it would work as Rid-Ox does?
Regards,
Cem. |
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Joined: 31/08/2007(UTC)
Posts: 414
Location: Kennesaw, GA
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Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by tekin65
<br />Don hi,
Rid-Ox must be a similar product to Philips Contact Spray. Have you used the Philips too? Do you think it would work as Rid-Ox does?
Regards,
Cem.
Cem, I have not used the Philips spray at all, so I cannot comment. I can tell you that Rid-Ox can revive components and connections that Caig's "DeoxIT" family of products cannot. Also, if a faulty audio potentiometer or fader comes in for service that Rid-Ox cannot revive, I go for the soldering iron to remove and replace the part immediately. Don Taylor
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Joined: 19/12/2006(UTC)
Posts: 348
Location: , Florida
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I use Wahl Hair clipper oil on my commutators. Years ago there was a trend to oil track with this stuff. I've tried it off and on over the years on my track with mixed results but as a conducting lubricant, I've been satisfied. It was the first thing I put on the commutator on my HR800 right out of 50 years of storage. After cleaning the wheels with rubbing alcohol, I lightly oiled them with it. Like all lubes, less is more, don't use too much. |
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Joined: 29/05/2008(UTC) Posts: 272 Location: USA
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Don: Does the Rid-Ox create any fumes with the motor running? I think even a very light application of the various conducting lubes will burn off with use, and give off the familiar Märklin motor smell. Maybe that's just the price of higher performance... |
Marty
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