Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Double Mut GE Mina gear motor

This is topic Double Mut GE Mina gear motor - gear box lubrication in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Robert Sobin (Member # 7635) on 01-31-2019, 01:51 PM:

Would anyone know what type of oil lubricant was used in the DC GE Mina gear motor gear box that was used with the Eprad double mut? I have a couple of these motors and they need to be re-lubricated. Info on the internet is scarce.

Posted by John Eickhof (Member # 323) on 02-01-2019, 11:47 PM:

bodine and minarik worm drive gearboxes use 85-90 wt gear oil. some earlier ones used 140 wt gear oil if in warmer climates. in a pinch you can pack the gearbox with short fibre grease or lubriplate grease. if the box has a zerk grease fitting use only grease not gear lube. use light oil in cups on output shafts if so equipped.

Posted by Robert Sobin (Member # 7635) on 02-02-2019, 12:51 PM:

Thanks John,
I have attached pictures of the motor which I haven't put into service yet since acquiring. The inside of the gear box looks like it was used with oil instead of grease. However the red plug on the gear box lid is not original and I don't know what type of fitting was there originally. I am guessing that I would not want to use a gear oil that is used in low slip automotive applications (differential). These types are more readily available in small volume.

Posted by John Eickhof (Member # 323) on 02-03-2019, 09:28 PM:

i would go with 14wt gear oil. if the shaft seals leak then replace with short fibre grease. have fun!

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 02-04-2019, 07:51 AM:

I'd use Mobil-1 synthetic gear lube 90 weight. I used that stuff in hundreds of gear boxes and never had to rebuild any. It lowers friction considerably.

Mark