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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 100
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 100 |
You've probably discussed this topic in the past--Currently using a marine grease for lubricating the water pump on a 1936 Chevy--it gets somewhat thin as it warms up and could be leaching into the coolent. Any suggestions for a better product?
Thrasher
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
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ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64 |
Lubriplate No. 115 water pump grease. Buy it here or get some from your local auto parts store. They may have to order it.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 409
Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 409 |
I haven't had a very good experience with the lubriplate lithium type grease, if it sits around for a while it drys up and gets crusty. I have been using Sta-Lube marine grease on wheel bearings for boat trailers, propeller shaft log seal (where the shaft goes through the bottom of the boat) and the water pump on my Chevy and it has been working very well Sta-Lube My 2 cents I just noticed that the Lubriplate Grease is a "Calcium grease" so it's probably OK the Lithium stuff is terrible
Last edited by ab_buff; 07/12/12 02:51 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
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ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64 |
Grease is made by adding a surfactant (soap) to oil. If the surfactant is water soluble (sodium, potassium or lithium salt) then water will initially will cloud the grease as the water is entering the grease. More water will eventually cause the grease to thin out and leave or become ineffective. If the surfactant is not water soluble (calcium salt) water will have a minimal affect on the grease.
The problem with marine bearing grease in water pumps is the effective viscosity is lower so will flow past gaps faster. I have used marine grease in the past and continue to use it for wheel bearings and suspension parts. Have changed back to water pump grease for pumps. That has reduced the amount of oil/grease found in the cooling system.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 409
Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 409 |
Hi Chipper
Well I may give it a try sometime, been having very good luck with the Sta-Lube.
I'm thinking that calcium or calcium salt is water soluble...? If your seeing grease/oil in the cooling system maybe the water pump is worn or has to much end play? I may not drive mine enough so notice, I may put 1000-1500 miles a year on it. Haven't noticed any oil in the water. I change it a 1-2 times a year to keep it flushed.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
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ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64 |
Most calcium salts are not soluble or have limited solubility. Won't go into the chemistry.
My pumps are rebuilt. You can only see a sheen on the top of the coolant from the lubricant unless it gets excessive. If you look at the surface at an angle when drained you should see the sheen.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,008 Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
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ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,008 Likes: 1 |
I have used Alemite Water Pump Lubricant 135-E for years with good results.
See you Touring the Back Roads
Joined VCCA June 1, 1961
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