Alternative to Gearbox run in method?
 

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone had heard of or tried to run in their gearboxes using any of those "Teflon" oil treatment products (such as PTFE "Slick 50" brand).

I haven't tried it myself but I reckon the process should work at this scale just as well. Just imagine, a quiet gearbox, almost friction free, and long lasting. It should also work on the bearings. Once the surfaces have been treated you could almost run them "Dry" without oil.

I wonder if it's worth trying. Unfortunately I only have plastic gearboxes but have just ordered a metal one from Mato.

Cheers :) Mario

RE: Alternative to Gearbox run in method?
 

Oil won't work as it just drips down from the gears. You want a grease that would stay put where you put it, such as gear grease.

RE: Alternative to Gearbox run in method?
 

I was mainly referring to the "treatment" side of things, as in PTFE (Teflon) coated gears for durability and quietness without a need for any liberal lubrication such as grease or oil. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure that car spares places also sell a PTFE grease treatment as well, that should cover all bases.

Cheers :) Mario

RE: Alternative to Gearbox run in method?
 

Two issues: 1) I agree with Richard, takes grease to stay on the gears while whear-in. 2) Teflon in oil treatments takes heat (something line 400 degrees F, I think) to bond the teflon particles to the metal bearing surfaces.

Oops,,, 3) you don't apply teflon until after wear-in (break-in) period.

You can get an aftermarket teflon spray on treatment, but I doubt that the benifits would be worth the time, effort, and costs.
(I use a S&W gun oil, with teflon additive, on stainless steel semi-auto pistols. Doesn't appear to do a thing over other oils made for stainless, no coatings or anything like that...)

nice idea though....

Best to all,
Splat

RE: Alternative to Gearbox run in method?
 

I don't think a treatment is necessary if you use a high quality gear grease. It's kinda like adding oil treatment to fully synthetic motor oil.

RE: Alternative to Gearbox run in method?
 

Thanks for all the input. I'll just stick to proven methods.

Cheers :) Mario