• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

What Lubricating oil is ok to use on the tt motors etc?

Shortedout

Shortedout

New Member
I looked but could not find information here on this even though I am sure its been beat to death.

I am going to service my PL115D and would like to know what oil is recommended and hopefully locally available at the local stores.

I hear sewing machine oil? I know I need a needle tip to properly dispense...

Thanks!
 
Register to hide this ad
I've used sewing machine oil on my TTs before with no ill effects.
 
For a motor bearing, I've used literally a drop of 5W30 or 10W30. More recently, the oil pens found at RC hobby shops. Very easy to apply because it has that steel needle tip you mentioned and you squeeze the pen's flexible plastic reservoir.

oil pen.jpg
 
I have used 3 in 1 electric motor oil with good results (no paraffin)
Regards,
Jim
 
3 in 1 Blue can oil (for motor use) or Zoom Spout turbine oil are recommended for your Pioneer. I use the latter for turntable maintenance. Many hardware stores stock it. The exception is when the turntable manufacturer recommends different lubrication (most any 20w application my choices are superb)
 
ehoove said:
I have used 3 in 1 electric motor oil with good results (no paraffin)
Regards,
Jim
Click to expand...
;)

is 3 in 1 a PAG, oleic acid, or from a liquid drawn up out of the dirt and refined? if the latter, it is held together in a paraffinic chain.
Depending upon the length of the chain, it could be kerosene, stove oil, etc. Hekk, if you do it right, and link propane into a good paraffinic chain, you can get "synthetic" oil.

;)
 
tnsilver said:
If you don't do it right you get your garage redecorated, a big bill from your insurance company and some nasty frowns from the local firemen. How about Mobile 1? Not safer?

Sewing machine oil fan here!
Click to expand...
Yeah, I let Mobil, or Royal Purple link the propane for me. My garage already looks as you describe......without the loud noise preceding it.
The noise you do hear is the wife.......:rant:..........;)
 
marcmorin said:
;)

is 3 in 1 a PAG, oleic acid, or from a liquid drawn up out of the dirt and refined? if the latter, it is held together in a paraffinic chain.
Depending upon the length of the chain, it could be kerosene, stove oil, etc. Hekk, if you do it right, and link propane into a good paraffinic chain, you can get "synthetic" oil.

;)
Click to expand...

Not regular 3 in 1 oil, but their electric motor oil which states no paraffin on the label. I usually use the motor oil I get from Joel Boutreux of Thorens fame.
Regards,
Jim
 
Last edited:
I use to oil that comes in a tiny bottle when you buy hair clippers. I have horses. I go thru a set of clippers once a year
 
I asked a similar question on a local forum a while ago. One person raised the notion that synthetic motor oil is a "chemical soup... that becomes acidic after it breaks down".
He failed ***completely*** to give any sort of backing to that, and became hostile when I asked for specifics.

There is a lot of pseudoscientific ramble on web forums. If there is someone here with professional knowledge in chemical engineering, it would be interesting to get a qualified opinion on the matter.
 
Don't sweat it.
Consider what was being used 40 years ago on these TT's.
Don't bother with any fancy (with fancy price) specialty oil.
Any good name brand electric motor oil or machine oil made today will be more than good enough for your TT.
If you mean to apply to the spindle I would use 5W30 or a good sewing machine oil as has been mentioned.
The top speed of 45 rpm is not going to push the oil to its limits. :)
For the motor bearing/s I would use a good sewing machine oil.
 
Sperm Whale oil is the best. It has the ability to permeate the metal. No other oil can do this. Apparently Jojoba oil is chemically the same as Sperm Whale oil and even smells like it.
 
For my Sansui SR-2050C turntable that I picked up at a garage sale, I used Liquid Wrench Light Machine Oil. The label indicates it is non-detergent and one of its recommended uses is for sewing machines. I use the oil for the turntable's motor as well as the spindle bearing. No particular reason I chose this Liquid Wrench oil as opposed to other non-detergent light machine oils as I found it at my local hardware store for a decent price.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom