O-ring grease

[Guest]

I have seen posts where folk use everything from axle grease to oil to whatever.
I personally shudder when I see this, because there is always a possibility of some sort of interaction of the lubricant with the o-ring material.
This is what we use in the automotive world for fuel injector o-rings, because it is completely inert and there cannot be any interaction with the o-ring material:



I purchased this at Lowes for around $3. My original tub has lasted 6-7 years and many, many o-rings, including 3 complete carb rebuilds.

[Dogma]

If the seal is already compatible with oil, then I don't see the problem using oil or petroleum-based grease on the o-ring. Seals in the fuel system would be a different story. Chemical compatibility charts for various seal material are available all over the Internet so one should check if there is a doubt. Silicone doesn't react with much, so it's probably safe to use everywhere on a bike but the brakes.

[koolaid_kid]

Let me clarify. I am speaking specifically about the process of rebuilding the carbs, which takes lots of o-rings. Folks use all kind of stuff, and yes, they are pretty much in the fuel system.
Seals in other areas, such as brake calipers, oil valleys in the block, etc. are a different story and a lubricant compatible with that system is fine.

Thanks, Dale, I should have been more precise when I first posted.

[tatu]

Vaseline's pretty good for fitting O' rings. I think in the US you call it KY jelly

[tkent02]

Astro glide is better when the O rings are way too tight.

[1074cm3]

I only recently learned that from another GSR thread Happy Holidays!

[koolaid_kid]

Thanks guys, you obviously think you are a wit, and you are half right.
Back to being serious. For your fuel systems, you should only use an inert grease such as the silicone grease I showed in the first post. You risk swelling o-rings and possible failures if you use something different when rebuilding your carbs. If my carb intake boots had o-rings (they do not) I would use the same thing there. A bad/distorted o-ring can cause a multitude of problems, and for $3 this is an easy fix. I tried a different type I purchased at Menards, it came in a tube instead of a tub, and it was a dismal failure.

[Flyboy]

Agreed, it makes me throw a wobbly when I see what some people use on rubber components sometimes, Castrol makes a red rubber grease especially for use on rubber components.
Like yours it is a few bucks for a jar and it lasts years.

[Nessism]

I also use silicone grease, although I've used hydrocarbon grease before too if using viton O-rings since they are chemical resistant.

When I worked for an OE automotive mfger, the engineers use to freak out if anyone used anything other than pure mineral oil on the fuel system O-rings. We had dedicated oil application bottles so there was no confusion. I'm not the sharpest guy when it comes to chemicals so that lesson has stuck in my mind and I don't take chances.

[kawfeedave]

I also use silicone grease, although I've used hydrocarbon grease before too if using viton O-rings since they are chemical resistant.

When I worked for an OE automotive mfger, the engineers use to freak out if anyone used anything other than pure mineral oil on the fuel system O-rings. We had dedicated oil application bottles so there was no confusion. I'm not the sharpest guy when it comes to chemicals so that lesson has stuck in my mind and I don't take chances.

Mineral oil itself can be had at drug stores everywhere in liquid form as a liquid laxative, but it's pretty messy. I work on espresso machines for a living, and I use a paste form of mineral oil to lubricate all the moving parts, o-rings, and gaskets, as it's food safe and is within the health code. I use the same lube for all the o-rings and seals when I work on bike because I know it compatible with everything (you could even eat the stuff).

I get mine from a local food service supply co, but you could google 'mineral oil lube' or 'food safe lube' and probably find it online somewhere. It's a couple bucks for a tube that should last forever. I use it almost everyday, and a tube lasts me for months. O-rings are tiny, and only need a tiny dab of the stuff to coat them.

[bwringer]

I've noted that the silicone grease seems to stick to the o-ring and lubricate a bit better, so tight fits like needle seats become a lot easier to push into place without damaging the o-ring.

Good stuff for fuel injection systems, too -- it seems to protect the o-ring better than anything else. I'm always amazed at how little force it takes to push a fuel rail in place with this stuff.

[Nessism]

I've noted that the silicone grease seems to stick to the o-ring and lubricate a bit better, so tight fits like needle seats become a lot easier to push into place without damaging the o-ring.

Good stuff for fuel injection systems, too -- it seems to protect the o-ring better than anything else. I'm always amazed at how little force it takes to push a fuel rail in place with this stuff.

Agree. Failing to lube the O-rings on parts like the needle seat can cause the O-rings to tear. Not good.

[GS1100GK]

Spray some WD40 into the cap and dip the oring in it. Dip a Q-tip in it to apply to the mating surfaces.

- JC

[FLHGSRay]

This what I use at work every day to rebuild hydraulic and pneumatic components. This stuff is slicker than snot and is made by the people that make things like o-rings, valves, cylinders, so they should know what properties are needed. Kinda pricey but a toothpaste sized tube will last forever.

http://www.parker.com/portal/site/PARKER/menuitem.de7b26ee6a659c147cf26710237ad1ca/?vgnextoid=fcc9b5bbec622110VgnVCM10000032a71dacRCRD&vgnextdiv=&vgnextcatid=4640227&vgnextcat=O-RING+LUBRICANTS&Wtky=O-RINGS&vgnextfmt=EN