1956 Speedometer Questions

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 12, 2017 | 07:44 AM

#16

Connecticut Calvin

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 774

Likes: 10

From: Simsbury, Connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBeav

I know everyone has their favorite whatevers but I'm gonna be a pita and say I have no idea what white lithium is good for. It collects dirt like crazy and turns into waxy crud (technical term) that doesn't flow. If a lubricant doesn't flow it soon leaves the part un-lubricated. Speedo cables best lubed with something like a light wheel bearing grease, just a smear of it along the length of the cable. Too much and the cable will act like an auger and pull the grease to the end and drip the oil onto your pants leg. Regarding WD40 - I have no problem with WD, use it most every day. But I consider it a solvent and not a lubricant. 3 in One is a lubricant and won't turn into gum for quite a while. Plus a speedo only needs 2-3 drops (some had a wick) any more than that and you'll be collecting dirt, fuzz, etc. Nice thing about 3 in One is you can apply a few drips where needed whereas WD and its companions are sprays that are hard to keep in one small spot. Another good oil for the speedo would come from that little plastic bottle Harbor Freight includes with its air tools.

This isn't the first time I've heard this. And I have also read the same arguments on other lubricants. Regardless of what's used, one thing is for certain; any foreign object will stick to anything wet. So we'll probably lose either way. Thankfully these gauge housing are buttons up pretty good. I might even put a coat of light silicone around the edges where the backing snaps to the front bezel just to keep it sealed up a little tighter.