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Amphibious Float Lubrication

Sikorsky

Registered User
Tis the season for thorough maintenance. Has anybody used dirt bike chain lubricant on the gear hinge components? I have had good luck with the aerosol waxy chain lubricant on motorcycle chains, and it seems in theory to be a good product for airplane hinge point lubrication especially floats due to the wet and dirty environment. I’m also considering using it on pulleys/elevator/rudder hinge points. Opinion? What products are others using?

Thanks,

Zach
 
I am a huge fan of the entire Corrosion X line. They have a product and viscosity for nearly every application in the aircraft float world. We also use their products on our Ag aircraft, fertilizer is almost as bad as salt. Do not shoot into "sealed" bearings as some of the low viscosity products are designed to penetrate and may flush the grease out.

TR
 
First, you need to remove those wheels and re pack wheel bearings, and maybe just replace them. While at it, check tires and tubes.
I’d talk to Wipaire as to the lubricants they recommend. Always good to open float access hatches and look around, check pump out security, verify any electrical stuff in the floats is secure and protected from water.
 
If you find a real good bearing shop, they can order chrome bearings and races. They really stand up well. If not plan on replacing wheel bearings a lot
 
Seems to me there are Zerk fittings on almost all important points including wheel bearings. I forget exactly what is in the grease gun, but it comes from Lake and Air, which I believe to be related to Wipline.

Each and every time the floats hit water, the owner pulls out the grease gun and hits every single point. We made special nozzles for the strange area at the top of the front wheel strut. The wheel bearings get flushed out each time.

Happily, I don’t get involved unless a hydraulic jack goes bad. Hasn’t happened in years.
 
On an amphib Beaver operated in salta lot, par al ketone was my friend. I’m pretty sure the mechanics hated to see that thing come in for maintenance, due to removal of same to inspect and service. But the stuff works….
 
Just a clarification for readers; Paralketone is classified as a corrosion inhibitor (it works well in that capacity); however, the OP inquiry was ref lubricants which Paralketone is not.
One example in the CorrosionX line is CorrosionX Aviation which is an excellent inhibitor AND lubricant (thin film) and is also safe for use on electronics. CorrosionX HD is a thick film inhibitor that incorporates the qualities of paralketone (and more). For additional facts see corrosionX.com. No, I am not a dealer, just a satisfied customer that uses these products in both Ag and Sea.

TR
 
I maintained a set of Wip 3000’s for several years. I had several chats with the guys at Wip, great people. Anyway I used the same bearings for several year by following the advise I got from Wip.
First the wheel bearings , drill a very small hole in the seal of the outer bearing. Clean and inspect the bearings for serviceability. Remove all the old grease. Go on line and get “green Grease” pack the bearings , install the wheels , then pump more grease in thru the zerk fitting until it comes out of the hole you drilled. Pump grease in every few days .
The front wheels same but no need to drill the front.
I always use Shell 22 on all the other fittings.
Watch and change the rear seal for the rudder, they go bad every few years.
Check compartment for leaking and many times it’s the seal around the hatches. Wip sell a seal compound you put on and it seals up perfect.
Last keep the pulleys lubed , I use LPS 2 , but they must be checked regularly. I always kept a hand full of them in the shop.
Now go thru the check list from Wip. They are great floats but must be maintained reg.
 
Just a clarification for readers; Paralketone is classified as a corrosion inhibitor (it works well in that capacity); however, the OP inquiry was ref lubricants which Paralketone is not.
One example in the CorrosionX line is CorrosionX Aviation which is an excellent inhibitor AND lubricant (thin film) and is also safe for use on electronics. CorrosionX HD is a thick film inhibitor that incorporates the qualities of paralketone (and more). For additional facts see corrosionX.com. No, I am not a dealer, just a satisfied customer that uses these products in both Ag and Sea.

TR
Sorry I didn’t note I was referring in my second post to corrosion prevention, not lubrication. That said, corrosion protection is every bit as important as lubrication, depending on the environment. And, even in fresh water environs, keeping an eye out for and treating corrosion is part of “owner maintenance”. I’ve never used Corrosion X since my salt water days were over before the stuff was marketed widely.
 
No issues here. My only objective was clarification of what Paralketone is for those unfamiliar. Paralketone is a great product, I have plenty of spare Ag Cat wings with the spar attachments still covered in Paralketone from the "old days", it works as advertised. That being said I will not use it on any of my float planes. IMO there are better products for corrosion prevention that are "cleaner" thus easier on the hands and lines during float plane ops. Zip Chem's Cor-Ban 27 is another well tested corrosion inhibitor that works well on static joints (attach fittings and hardware) and much "cleaner" than Paralketone.

Corrosion effects ALL aircraft, does not have to be a float plane. Most prevalent is electrochemical corrosion of metal which is facilitated by water, a thin film of moisture being sufficient to act as the transfer medium for electrons (corrosion). Take a look under the insulation in the underside of the cabin roof of an aluminum skinned aircraft and chances are corrosion will be found due to the expelled moisture from cabin occupants and possibly exacerbated by condensation in certain operating environments. I address this with the objective of education so those that may be new to aircraft ownership and corrosion control can understand what they are fighting. It is tough to win the battle if you do not know your adversary's tactics. Corrosion is relentless and never sleeps.

TR
 
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No issues here. My only objective was clarification of what Paralketone is for those unfamiliar. Paralketone is a great product, I have plenty of spare Ag Cat wings with the spar attachments still covered in Paralketone from the "old days", it works as advertised. That being said I will not use it on any of my float planes. IMO there are better products for corrosion prevention that are "cleaner" thus easier on the hands and lines during float plane ops. Zip Chem's Cor-Ban 27 is another well tested corrosion inhibitor that works well on static joints (attach fittings and hardware) and much "cleaner" than Paralketone.

Corrosion effects ALL aircraft, does not have to be a float plane. Most prevalent is electrochemical corrosion of metal which is facilitated by water, a thin film of moisture being sufficient to act as the transfer medium for electrons (corrosion). Take a look under the insulation in the underside of the cabin roof of an aluminum skinned aircraft and chances are corrosion will be found due to the expelled moisture from cabin occupants and possibly exacerbated by condensation in certain operating environments. I address this with the objective of education so those that may be new to aircraft ownership and corrosion control can understand what they are fighting. It is tough to win the battle if you do not know your adversary's tactics. Corrosion is relentless and never sleeps.

TR

Indeed, points well taken, and you’re absolutely right about our expulsions of humidity….. :cool:
 
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