Furler lubrication

[enovillo]

I have an old CDI furler (circa early 80's) that doesn't have bearings. I've disassembled the whole thing to inspect, clean, and lubricate it.

There's a plastic wheel fixed to the toggle right under the turnbuckle that allows the drum to rotate. The drum wraps this wheel. I was going to use a teflon-based spray to lubricate the assembly, but I'm not sure that stuff will last more than a few weeks (although not directly exposed, the wheel can receive some water and dust). It's not easy to lubricate the part without disassembling the drum.

What do people use to lubricate this type of furler?

We do experience a fair amount of friction when unfurling the sail, but now that I know how it works I'm suspecting that the foil may be the culprit for most of the friction.

[rebel heart]

Not directly answering your question, but I'd clean the track and use "mclube" sail lube for putting the luff back into the groove.

[Bash]

you want a synthetic lithium grease. some lithium greases have a petroleum base, and these will harm the plastic wheel. but the good stuff will outlast any teflon spray.

[enovillo]

Thanks Bash. The lithium grease was already on my to-get list for this week. I need it for the joker valve I'll be replacing next weekend.

Rebel Heart, thanks for the tip. I already cleaned and lubricated with teflon-based spray both tracks of the foil.