track oil

[Lynn Eades]

I have found that track that is free and dry stored can seize. The worn out stuff doesn't so much, but the good stuff with closer tolerances can rust up.
A good soak in light oil and a wiggle with two small pry bars (one in each adjacent link) helps to get things moving again (maybe?)

[colin jones]

Sorry to butt in here but I would think that a good dose of oil for storage and powder graffite for use. I use the grafite on my backhoe (extendahoe section)and it does not attract dirt at all. Also on the slew ring on my grader.

[Tony Smith]

Please don't take this as a poke at Lynn ( ), but Lanolin spray is also a good water repellent spray that lubricates and prevents rust, but it won't retain grit that would cause wear. Again for storage periods, but not daily maintenance purposes.

[Lynn Eades]

Tony, I don't recall one of your posts that wasn't constructive or helpful- even if it went against what i'd said.
I always look forward to your input. You too Colin
Graphite sounds like a good idea too. I wonder how the price would be?

[Wayne Hingley]

I was just looking through CAM magazine Vol. 2, No. 8, 1945, and saw something on track lubrication. It reminded me of this thread, so I thought I would add that literature to the discussion.

[Russ Gregg]

No experience with this one but I had heard that farmers used to spray diesel on the ferrous parts of tractors, once evaporated it would leave a layer of paraffin behind to protect it from the elements, and would get into fine spaces. It sounds good but could be complete rubbish.

[maple_leaf_eh]

Following up on the lanolin comment , I've used Fluid Film as a spray rust preservative when storing motorcycles. http://www.fluid-film.com/

Another compound I'm told can be used as a release coating for painted surfaces is spray cooking oil. Apparently, spraying cooking pan release spray on your historically appropriately painted vehicles keeps the dirt and grime from sticking to the paint and thereby degrading it. The spray washes off with water and won't harm the pigments. (Just repeating something I heard or read, haven't proved it myself.)