I've been looking for the standards for replacing synthetic oil in our fan bearings. I know it depends on the contaminants, and amount of etc...

But I was wanting to know the life expectancy of the SHC 629 Bearing and gear oil, if the oil is kept clean?

Does anyone have any data on this? I've got fans out here I know the oil is at least 2-3 years oil running through it. We use the Trico self lube bowls, but if the oil doesn't leak out and we don't ever add oil, how long is this oil good for?

I'd like a web site for this if anyone has one...

Thanks,

You are right. Factors like temperature and contaminants are biggest. Air and water two big contaminants in particular.

Here is an article addressing the subject of oil life in general:
http://www.machinerylubrication.com/article_detail.asp?...ookgroup=OilAnalysis

They have some graphs mentioning synthetics in there, but nothing specific to Mobil SHC which are PAO's (group 4). I think PAO's are among the best out there for oxidation stability.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: electricpete,

Rod,

I am going to a site Monday that uses SHC 629 a bunch. I am not sure if we have any hard data on SAP about any changes, but I can tell you it's some good stuff. I will ask about any time frames they may have documented.

Dave

Dave,

95% of all our fans use the Mobil SHC 629, even some of our gear boxes. Used to use Light, & heavy medium, but some of our fans were getting mixed oil in them, that plus the fact that the synthetic is better suited for higher temps prompted us to change to 629...

let me know what you find out.

Thanks,

quote:

Originally posted by RRS_Dave:
Rod,

I am going to a site Monday that uses SHC 629 a bunch. I am not sure if we have any hard data on SAP about any changes, but I can tell you it's some good stuff. I will ask about any time frames they may have documented.

Dave

One small caution I would add when changing to any synthetic oil, there is more possibility of adverse interaction between synthetics and existing materials, especially soft parts such as gaskets, O-rings, flex hoses etc. The performance of these items with mineral oil is a known quantity and you wouldn't consider a given O-ring to be oil-compatible if it reacts with mineral oil. But often these materials are not fully tested with the wide variety of synethetics out there (and synthetics aren't tested with wide variety of plastics/elastomers out there). Sometimes they can react and release contaminants that cause sludging of the oil. Sometimes the soft part is affected and leaks develop.

It is a relatively small risk. Almost impossible to evaluate without trying it out.