Just a curiousity question. Seen a post someplace else that mentioned oiling a vehicle to prevent rust. This came out of a Canadian post. Now I'm familar with undercoating, rustproofing sprays, rock guard and spray in liners. But what would you use for oiling the underside? Linseed oil?

 

The army uses a "rust inhibitor" fluid, which they say to either wipe or spray on every eight months. They say it "slows the spread of new rust and cleans up old rust ... [and it] works by eliminating moisture that holds salt, dirt, and other pollutants that eat up metal. It also lubes moving parts and penetrates existing rust." They say it takes about 3 gallons to treat a 2.5- or 5- ton truck. (I'm getting this info from the Army's "Preventive Maintenance Monthly" of May 2003.) Whatever the Army is using, it sounds like it is similar to WD-40 or maybe the Army surplus store would have some of the official stuff.

 

Thanks TallPaul, I'm always looking for an easy method to slow rust. I'll check in Sioux Falls see if I can find any. Think I'll look on some mil. sites see what I can find.

 

All I use on my vehicles is the cheapest 10W30 I can find. Never use used oil, there's crap in it that will cause problems with rubber components. I tried using hydralic oil once becaue I was told it would creep into all the little areas, but found it "evaporated" away too quickly. Mine get sprayed twice a year, and it sure keeps things from rusting!

 

I have also read (probably at FTE) of people pouring oil into cab corners and inside doors to prevent rust.

 

Now that does open up possibilities, actually never thought of different uses for cheap oils. Although since I don't have a garage I store my containers of used oil in the back of my son's pickup, which would explain it not rusting anymore. If I find a good oil to use this could help with fastners not rusting stuck.

Hmmm now to run some specs and make a choice.

 

I've done that, also fender corners and other hard to reach places. Rather wipe away a little excess oil now and then than have rust.