Tech Tip - MirageDrive Maintenence/Lubrication #1 of 3

Thanks roadrunner!

Note: This is the first of three parts dealing with the Mirage Drive.

Part II has to do with lubrication points:

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=12576

Part III is about inspecting and adjusting the Drive:

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=12578

I decided to test three popular lubes -- the ever popular WD-40, my favorite Breakfree, and Rynkster's dealer's favorite silicon.

Initial characteristics: WD-40 is a thin, penetrating oil that displaces water. It feels moderately slippery between the fingers. BreakFree has a little higher viscosity (thicker), comes out in a foam, has friction modifiers and is very popular in the gun world. It feels thicker and slipperier. Silicon is a dry friction reducer that has a liquid carrier for penetration and distribution, which evaporates in short order. It feels squeaky between the fingers.

This first pic shows each sprayed on a vertical sheet of ABS plastic:


Within five minutes the liquid carrier for the silicon had evaporated. After two hours (below) a portion of the WD-40 had also evaporated.


A gentle stream of water was applied to the plastic sheet, washing away the BreakFree, but not the remaining WD-40 (surprise!):


Talcum powder was distributed on the entire area to detect any remaining oil. This would simulate dirt, mud or debris in the water. After being blown off with an air hose, it stuck almost exclusively to the WD-40 sample (below):


Again, water was applied. The remaining talcum washed off all but the WD-40. It had congealed with water and oil to form a sludge (below):


Results and interpretation: The silicon has no corrosion protection, is not a particularly great friction reducer, and had little to commend it. The dealer, IMO, is misinformed. Whereas it's essentially useless on the Mirage Drive, it is the best lube (and only one I would use) for the Twist & Stow rudder -- it flushes and frees up the mechanism without any sludging effect or attracting any dirt or grime.

WD-40 is acceptable. It penetrates, displacing water (as most petroleum based products do) and offers protection against corrosion. It's biggest shortcoming in these tests, is its tendency to retain and accumulate small particulates. This could increase wear.

Breakfree offers superior penetration into wear points because of its foaming action (doesn't run off so fast). It seals and coats the parts better than WD-40 because of its higher viscosity. It lubes better because it contains friction modifiers. It washes free rather than turn to sludge in water. I have a six year old drive that has been maintained with BreakFree since new. It has been used in salt water as well as fresh water. As you can see below, it still looks excellent and runs like a top:


Or maybe I'm a bit biased. I'm sure there are equally good or better lubes available, but at least among these, you can see what works and what doesn't work, and why.

by "roadrunner"

Part II has to do with lubrication points:

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewt ... 60&t=12576

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

NEW!!

HOBIE MULTI-LUBE

A planet-safe lubricant recommended for lubricating MirageDrives and many other uses. Environmentally friendly for in-the-water applications. Hobie Multi-Lube offers excellent lubrication, is an anti corrosive coating, great for cleaning and many other uses... use on nearly anything that squeaks, rusts, corrodes or binds up; MirageDrives, rudder drums, cams, fishing reels and more. The 1 oz size is perfect for getting the lubricant into tight spaces by using the needle applicator. The 4 oz size has a spray applicator for coating chains and larger surfaces, shafts and bulky parts. Every Hobie owner should have Hobie Multi-Lube.

Be nice to our planet, keep MirageDrives and other components running smoothly and lasting longer without polluting our waterways. Use it for all shop, home and sport lubrication needs.

5120 HOBIE MULTI LUBE 1 OZ
5121 HOBIE MULTI LUBE 4 OZ

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)