Marine Grade Oils and Greases

Every so often I see a question about which lube to use for everything from outboard gearboxes to trailer bearings, to reel lube.

I worked in the oil industry for 40 years and back in the late 70s worked with a bunch of old lubricant research chemists.  They explained that marine grade lubricants contain an additive that has an affinity for metallic surfaces that actually excludes water from being able to reach the metal. All this happens on a molecular level.

Back then I worked in the lab where we tested the marine oils and from that experience I can tell you it works. The test consisted of taking a polished steel shaft and immersing it into a mixture of oil and a small amount of salt water. The oil was warmed and the shaft was rotated for 3 days.

After 3 days the shaft was removed and "read". If the oil had the right amount of additive the shaft would still be shiny and clean with maybe a speck or 2 of rust.  On oils where the additive wasn't there the shaft would basically come out looking like a turd.

Oh yea,,,,,,we used to call it "blue grease" sound familiar?

Great info
Thanks Dale

Hey Allan,
I saw your question in another post but figured it would be better to just put up what I knew in a separate post. Glad you saw it.