Lubrication - Oil or Grease ?

[Srah 1953]

Are there general rules for when to use machine oil or grease to lubricate moving parts?
Thanks

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Srah (Sarah?).

I always follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions regarding lubrication.

You might be interested in the Grease vs. Oil Debate
Here ➥ The Enduring Grease vs. Oil Debate

[Srah 1953]

Thanks for this. Srah is a location! I did search the forum but I didn't find a specific discussion on this. I'm not sure I'm any wiser after reading the article cited - but perhaps that was the point! To make the question specific rather than general, the engine throttle/gear selector is sticking and I thought if I lubricated in behind the control lever it might help. So the question then is- spray with grease, or oil, or none of the above?
Cheers

[GordMay]

Shift levers are generally lubricated with grease.
It may not be the lever mechanism.
Check the cable for kinks, tight bends, or other obstructions.

Teleflex, for instance, provides cable & lever steering system manuals here:
➥ http://www.teleflexmarine.com/cgi-bi...s&library=1017

See also their FAQs:
➥ http://www.teleflexmarine.com/cgi-bi...=us&link2=1043

[David M]

When you do not have the manufacturers recommendations, its pretty easy. Use grease when you need it to stick. Use oil when it can be contained.

I would put a little water resistant grease on the shaft just to keep it from oxidizing.

[Hydra]

If it must move fast, oil it. Examples: inside the engine, the pawls in a winch...

If it moves slowly and under heavy pressure, grease it. Examples: the turnbuckles, the gears in a winch...

Alain