What Flex Cable Grease are you using?

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Chris Thomas

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
464
I have used the Prather cable grease for many of years. Anybody know what this stuff is made out of. I pretty sure its re-packaged but what was the original Stuff?

What are you guys using for flex shaft lube? Is there any stuff that is better for the environment than others?
 
I've been using Mercury 2-4-C for about 20 years or so in my inboards and haven't had any problems. To answer your question about what's environmentally friendly, I'm not sure about grease but some folks use castor oil in oilers, and that's biodegradable. I use castor in my outboards and haven't broken a cable there either.

Brian
 
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You are behind on the times if you haven't tried GREEN GREASE. Lol.

Worlds ahead of ones mentioned. I tested and tried a bunch of stuff. They do not come close to washout resistance and lubricity of Green Grease especially good even when get's mixed with water.
It is really good stuff. I do not recall anyone that has tried it didn't make it their new grease, It is that much better.
I bought almost 25 greases at one time to test them. Some were expensive synthetics for the wet end of paper machines. Many "waterproof " marine greases. Some were actual cable grease made for flex cables.
Green grease clear winner by a distant amount that you quickly realize and know that it is better stuff for a flex cable in a brass tube for a model boat.

It is not as clean as 2-4-C though. Green Grease is sticky and stinky.
 
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The BelRay seems to interest me. I've looked at the 2-4-C, also looked at the Yamalube. I was going to try that then I seen the Mercruiser "Extreme". I have used the Prather stuff for years put have run out of it. I dont know if there is still a supply of it or not. But was looking to try new. I've tried the Lubriplate and a few marine greases. All seem to be thinner and much messier. I want great results from the lube and do Not want to leave any in the lake...
 
The BelRay seems to interest me. I've looked at the 2-4-C, also looked at the Yamalube. I was going to try that then I seen the Mercruiser "Extreme". I have used the Prather stuff for years put have run out of it. I dont know if there is still a supply of it or not. But was looking to try new. I've tried the Lubriplate and a few marine greases. All seem to be thinner and much messier. I want great results from the lube and do Not want to leave any in the lake...
I tried several lubriplates before finding the right one. For you to say messy leads me to believe you never tried the # 115. It’s thick, clean and stays on the shaft better than anything I’ve tried. Don’t want to get any in the lake ? Good luck. Your not doing harm compared to lakes that get run offs from roads and such.
 
Lubriplate 115 is the waterpump grease. It is a very low temp grease. Good for like 150° It used to work ok. Today's high rpm high torque setups especially in the mono's create some heat in the driveline.

>>>>
The LUBRIPLATE "100" Series Products are excellent water-resistant lubricants designed for plain bearings, cams, slides and similar applications up to operating temperatures of 150°F. LUBRIPLATE No. 115 is an excellent water pump lubricant.


Fluid Type: mineral

ISO Viscosity Grade of Base Oil: 68

NLGI Grade: 4

Thickener: Calcium

Food Grade - NSF H1: No

Color: Off-white

Dropping Point (F°): 210

Dropping Point (C°): 99

Operating Temp Range: -20 to 160

>>>>>>

Green Grease,
http://www.greengrease.net/PDF/ggfactsheet.pdf
SPECIFICATIONS: M2—W.P. GREASE Thickener ............................................................Mixed Complex NLGI .........................................................................................2 Unworked Penetration 25°C (77°F) D217...................... 280 / 310 Worked Penetration 25°C (77°F) D217 ......................... 285 / 315 Dropping Point 290°C (554°F) D566.................................. 554°F Water Washout Test D1264.................................................Pass Rust Test D1743 ............................................................Pass #1 Corrosion Test D130............................................................Pass Timken OK Load lbs D2509.....................................................80 Four Ball EP Test Weld Load kg D2956........................... 800kg+ Four Ball Wear Scar mm D2266 ......................................0.0 mm Base Fluid Viscosity CST 40°C (104°F) .................................920 Base Fluid Viscosity CST 100°C (212°F) .................................58 Viscosity Index ......................................................................120 Lubricating Solids ............................................................Present EP Additives....................................................................Present Synthetic Polymers..........................................................Present Operating Temperature Range .............................-20°F to 500°F
 
when Ed Hughy ( Hughy Boats ) was in business he sold the best I have ever seen. I don't what it was but it never came off until you wiped it off.
 
Never had a shaft fail from lube problems with the 115 grease.
But then again I do not run a twin cylinder gas eng in a huge mono with no cooling on the shaft from not being submerged in the water.
the new thing is running water cooling on the shafts now I see in the big twin gas monos?
 
Never had a shaft fail from lube problems with the 115 grease.
But then again I do not run a twin cylinder gas eng in a huge mono with no cooling on the shaft from not being submerged in the water.
the new thing is running water cooling on the shafts now I see in the big twin gas monos?
Me either. Even in boxed riggers with high rpm. The main thing is having a grease that stays on the shaft.
 
I have used the Prather cable grease for many of years. Anybody know what this stuff is made out of. I pretty sure its re-packaged but what was the original Stuff?

What are you guys using for flex shaft lube? Is there any stuff that is better for the environment than others?
STA marine grease gets the job done
 

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I have ben using John Deer Cornhead grease in mine and also my full scale racing and antique outboard motor lower units. when we take the antique lower units apart they have a lot of water in them but the grease is coated on all the parts instead of water. It was designed to work in dirty wet conditions.
 
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