Felt Washer Question

[Clark K.]

I registered and paid ($850!) online for the NCRS 2012 National Convention registration and Flight judging request on Feb. 1st. I am now preparing my '65 Sting Ray for judging.

I have a question about what the 1965 JG calls "reddish oily material" that is saturated into the "thick gray felt washer" that goes on the positive battery post. Do you use red gear lube on the felt washer? What amount of "red oily material" should be placed on this felt washer? -Clark

[Michael H.]

Re: Felt Washer Question

Clark,

The grey positive battery post washer was soaked in 80-90 wt gear lube. It is the typical brown color that most gear lubes are. Not red. Actually, I'm pretty sure that you wouldn't be able to see a color.

[Greg G.]

Re: Felt Washer Question

When I had my 65 396, judged I used Marvel Mystery Oil. Got the Duntov with that being used. My guess is it was never looked at that close so I would say just about anything but a dry washer would work

[Frank R.]

Re: Felt Washer Question

I use auto trans fluid, soaked it down then dried a little of it out wth a paper towel.

[Joe L.]

Re: Felt Washer Question

All------


According to GM, the felt washer was originally to be soaked with hypoid axle lubricant. I don't recall any hypoid axle lubricant ever being red in color. Usually it was a brownish color.

However, for the last "umpteen" years there has been a commercial battery post compound available which is red in color. My recollection is that it comes in a small aerosol can. In 1963-65 when I was in high school and had a part-time job as "pump jockey" and "mechanics helper" at a Chevron gas station, we used to spray the battery terminal with this stuff as part of a "lube and oil change". So, I wonder if the notion that the compound originally used on the terminal was red came from a SERVICE historical perspective rather than a PRODUCTION historical perspective?

By the way, that job at the Chevron gas station was the only time in my life that I was ever "gainfully employed" in the automotive industry. I think that's where I learned everything I know about cars.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Felt Washer Question

All------


According to GM, the felt washer was originally to be soaked with hypoid axle lubricant. I don't recall any hypoid axle lubricant ever being red in color. Usually it was a brownish color.

However, for the last "umpteen" years there has been a commercial battery post compound available which is red in color. My recollection is that it comes in a small aerosol can. In 1963-65 when I was in high school and had a part-time job as "pump jockey" and "mechanics helper" at a Chevron gas station, we used to spray the battery terminal with this stuff as part of a "lube and oil change". So, I wonder if the notion that the compound originally used on the terminal was red came from a SERVICE historical perspective rather than a PRODUCTION historical perspective?

By the way, that job at the Chevron gas station was the only time in my life that I was ever "gainfully employed" in the automotive industry. I think that's where I learned everything I know about cars.

JOE
Remember that NCRS might not be right but they are never wrong.LOL
KEN

[Michael H.]

Re: Felt Washer Question

All------


According to GM, the felt washer was originally to be soaked with hypoid axle lubricant. I don't recall any hypoid axle lubricant ever being red in color. Usually it was a brownish color.

However, for the last "umpteen" years there has been a commercial battery post compound available which is red in color. My recollection is that it comes in a small aerosol can. .

Joe,

You are exactly right. I too was a petroleum transfer engineer (worked at Grampa's Shell gas station) at about the same time and age. I vividly remember the red "auto parts" spray goonk that we sprayed on battery terminals. It was not the original color/material used in production.

In fact, GM had a specific part number (3755205) for the exact oil and quantity used on the felt battery terminal washer. (.009 lbs) It is/was indeed the very same GM 80-90W oil that was used in the differential.
The part number and quantity per job is shown in the assembly manuals.

Neither the washer or it's coating were red.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Felt Washer Question

[QUOTE=Michael Hanson (4067);598513]Joe,

You are exactly right. I too was a petroleum transfer engineer (worked at Grampa's Shell gas station) at about the same time and age. I vividly remember the red "auto parts" spray goonk that we sprayed on battery terminals. It was not the original color/material used in production.

NOW THAT THERE IS FUNNY
KEN

[John H.]

Re: Felt Washer Question

You are exactly right. I too was a petroleum transfer engineer (worked at Grampa's Shell gas station) at about the same time and age.

Michael -

That was good training, wasn't it? I ran a Shell station (night shift) for three years when I was in college - looked pretty spiffy in 1961 in my brown pants, brown Ike jacket, tan shirt, and black clip-on bow tie, peddling Super Shell and X-100 motor oil.

[Bruce D.]

Re: Felt Washer Question

I get mine from the sears battery installer out in the shop, not the ones they have on the shelf inside the store.....

[Dick W.]

Re: Felt Washer Question

Michael -

That was good training, wasn't it? I ran a Shell station (night shift) for three years when I was in college - looked pretty spiffy in 1961 in my brown pants, brown Ike jacket, tan shirt, and black clip-on bow tie, peddling Super Shell and X-100 motor oil.

Did the oil have 'nuff ZDDP in it?