O ring seal lubrication

[lennyf]

needed recommendation: which is better to lubricate seals in records, valves, etc. - silicone based products or PTFE based products?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[gtemkin]

I wouldn't think there's any difference between the two in pool applications. I think the differences come into play under conditions such as high vacuum and extreme temperatures that aren't present where we apply these products.

 

[Willi]

Dont use Vaseline or any petroleum based lube as it will deteriorate the rubber. Its best to use Teflon based lubes like Magic Lube. My supply house carries it and I would imagine most would carry some kind of Teflon based.

http://www.pondparts.com/Accessories/Magic-Lube-O-Ring-Lube-p-256.html

 

[JamesW]

I find that silicone lube works much better than Teflon. Teflon gums up and gets sticky.

 

[Richard320]

I'm not even sure what I use. I just bought a tube of "Pool Lube" at the pool store a couple years ago. They had a basket full on the counter by the register.

 

[jblizzle]

I find that silicone lube works much better than Teflon. Teflon gums up and gets sticky.

That is interesting. Based on observation, I am going to have to guess the that "pool lube" I got at the pool store is Teflon based since it seems to get sticky and hard to clean off the o-rings.

Might have to look for some silicone based lube.

 

[gtemkin]

Here's a link to a Magic-Lube sales brochure. They distribute both silicone and PTFE pool lubricants.

http://www.aladdin1950.com/files/9713/7155/9899/Magic_Lube.pdf

Although they call their PTFE lube "PTFE Based", the PTFE is really a very fine powder that's added to a grease base.

 

[Willi]

I wondering now if mine is Silicone based because my gaskets are not sticky and dont gum up. It looks and feels like Vaseline.

 

[JamesW]

BOSS 820 Pool and Spa Lube is a good product at a good price. Magic Lube II (not regular Magic Lube) and Dow Corning’s #111 Silicone lubricant are also good. Teflon based lubes seem to be more common at pool stores. Going online is usually the best option.

 

[Isaac-1]

You can get a 4 oz tube of food grade silicone o-ring lube from amazon for about $11 with free shipping