The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Lube for Starter/generator

This is a question about the 235 in my 56' belair, but I know my 54' 3600 has them also. Anyway, what is this lube required for the lube points on the ends of the starter and generator? Is it 10/30 motor oil or is it more like a 3in1 lube? I dont know if the guy who rebuilt these for me even prelubed them. Thanks for the info

seems like i remember the factory recommended lube was straight 30 wt. non-detergent oil. three in one will work fine. at least you have the good sense to notice a feature that nearly everyone overlooks----until it's to late.

Definitely use non-detergent oil in anything with a bronze bushing (starters, distributor oilers, commutator end of the generator, etc).

More than a few reliable electric motor people have told me that detergent oils will "seal" the pores in the absorbent bronze bushing, and it will actually run "dry".

"3 in 1" Electric motor oil is essentially SAE 20, non-detergent oil, in a convenient little package.

The starter/generator bearings don't usually need a thick pre-lube as they are not exposed to a lot of high heat or extreme torque on intial start-up; and a thick lube will get spun/thrown off into the inerds and may gunk up the brushes. 3-in-1 electric fan/motor oil is A-OK perfect.

The above advice for the 3-in-1 motor oils is what I have used on electric motors for many years and had a 100% success, even with the bronze oillight bearings.

I have found that the starter/generators are a little "tight" after a pro-rebuild and thus a couple of drops of 3-in-1 frequently applied will extend the life of your start/gen a lot. Mine seem to use more oil till they get a good break-in. Oil them 3to4 drops frequently and they seem to last forever: IF ya keep them clean of dirt build-up.

Finally, use Never-Seize and a torque wrench when installing starters/generator bolts and you'll be glad ya did when it comes time to adjust the fan belt or remove the starter!