Grease for Outboards

[Marinerman]

I read the thread on grease, but it doesn't answer my questions;

What kind of grease should I use on components around my engine? (40HP 2 stroke Mariner 2001)

Should I use wd40 around my engine? I read here that it can make nylon components swell!...

There are also two grease nipples on the lower units of my Mariner 40? Is it OK to use straight ahead marine grease for these?

And finally; what of white lithium grease? Is this OK for marine use in any way?

Any help will be appreciated.

M.

 

[Spi D]

WD40 have no real lubing properties.

According to the manufacturer of your engine water resistant grease is way to go. Any will do, Merc's own (Quicksilver) is with Teflon

Can be used for all moving parts, cables etc.

 

[RobWales]

WD40 have no real lubing properties.

According to the manufacturer of your engine water resistant grease is way to go. Any will do, Merc's own (Quicksilver) is with Teflon

Can be used for all moving parts, cables etc.

Direct from the Q&A section of the WD40 Website........!!



What does WD-40 do?
WD-40 fulfills five basic functions:
1. CLEANS: WD-40 gets under dirt, grime and grease to clean. It also dissolves adhesives, allowing easy removal of labels, tape and excess bonding material.
2. DISPLACES MOISTURE: Because WD-40 displaces moisture, it quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits.
3. PENETRATES: WD-40 loosens rust-to-metal bonds and frees stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts.
4. LUBRICATES: WD-40's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed and tenaciously held to all moving parts.
5. PROTECTS: WD-40 protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements.

 

[Marinerman]

Thanks, but does that mean I "can" spray wd40 around my engine to provide a some marine protection or, not?

 

[Spi D]

Yes, you can use WD40 as a general, Water Disperging coating.

WD40 site state many uses and show this 2000+ uses' list
http://www.wd40.com/files/pdf/wd-40_2042538679.pdf

It is a great alround product for many a thing, however the product is not a lube. It carries no lubing standard (SAE / DIN), viscosity spec. or classification, it is not water resistant by any standards and the content of evaporative mineral oil will provide a short, light lube at best.

While the marketing pitch lists the ingredients as "secret", the MSDS indicates the following: 60 to 70 percent petroleum distillates 15 to 25 percent base oil and 2 to 3 percent carbon dioxide. So it would appear that WD40 is simply a combination of petroleum products, mixed with a propellant (CO2).

 

[Assassin]

WD 40 also corrodes copper contacts, so avoid its use.

Any waterproof grease should be fine, and its available in lithium base form.

 

[Marinerman]

So, I'll interpret that as a no then, because there's plastic, copper, nylon around the engine...

Thanks for the feedback.