Gearbox Grease

[RichardM]

I am looking at taking the apron and gearbox off the Boxford 280 and replacing the grease, not because of any problems but it's probably 40 years old in the gearbox.
It's listed as Alvania RL (R1) in the manual which is an NGLI1 grease. Shell current range is Shell Gadus S2 V100 1. Finding any NGLI 1 grease is a problem.
Does anyone know of any NGLI 1 alternatives?
Thanks

 

[Barking Mat]

Google NGLI1 grease alternatives, gives you suggestions.

 

[Gavlar]

The X10 manual actually says 'Shell Alvania R1' for the gearbox, for which there are alternatives, and general purpose grease for the apron.

I've had the gearbox off my Boxford 280 and the original grease was as good as new. I've also had the apron apart and just used bog standard grease. I would guess the spec of the grease reflects the longevity rather than any special lubricating properties.

 

[Old Dog]

https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-210538-castrol-spheerol-epl-1-lithium-grease-nlgi1.aspx?srsltid=AfmBOopiJJ5SJqm03wwU1yfq8uOxCJFFbu7ayQfoaETFJtaF_bGaz4W1

Used in automatic chassis lub. Can be used for a worm and wheel gearbox aswell.

 

[RichardM]

Google NGLI1 grease alternatives, gives you suggestions.

I already have.

You can still get it.

Brit-Lube PFPE Ultra Grease NLGI-1 400ml Simply Bearings Ltd

simplybearings.co.uk

£307.61 !!!

I've had the gearbox off my Boxford 280 and the original grease was as good as new. I've also had the apron apart and just used bog standard grease. I would guess the price reflects the longevity rather than any special lubricating properties.

Quick edit; The X10 manual actually says 'Shell Alvania R1' for the gearbox, for which there are alternatives, and general purpose grease for the apron.

The price puts me off a bit though!
"Alvainia", it also says that the apron is also originally filled with it as well.

https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-210538-castrol-spheerol-epl-1-lithium-grease-nlgi1.aspx?srsltid=AfmBOopiJJ5SJqm03wwU1yfq8uOxCJFFbu7ayQfoaETFJtaF_bGaz4W1

Used in automatic chassis lub. Can be used for a worm and wheel gearbox aswell.

Smith and Allen also do an EP1 with the same penetration figures to Gadus s2 V100 1, although the base oil vicosity in both EP1 cases is a little higher. It is the current favourite dependant on phone call to their technical tomorrow.

 

[Brad93]

Best thing you can put in a grease filled gearbox nowadays is 00 grease, semi fluid

 

[frank horton]

can u not use a decent axle bearing grease wiith some g/box oil added....whipped in...
slightly different but same subject....
I add a little g/box oil ep80/90 t5o copper slip at least for stuff that never comes apart..whip it untill its like thick cream...
we used it on the undercarriage bolts n pins.....it never dries out even after years unlike using it neat..

 

[RichardM]

A bit of ringing around this morning, Smith &Allen say their EP1 is OK as an altenative. £2.99 ea plus post plus vat.
So when I have worked out how much I need I'll probably go with that as I can use it on both the feed and apron gearbox.

 

[Old Dog]

Smith & Allen are very helpful and I use their oils, can't fault it.

 

[RichardM]

Just ordered 1200g EP1 from Smith and Allen, the feed gearbox is not sealed and has an open back, so I'll just give it a clean and regrease as std, hopefully last my life then.
Apron box also feeds the cross slide screw, so a good clean and regrease.

 

[winchman]

Smith & Allen are very helpful and I use their oils, can't fault it.

Me too cant fault them used for Tecaloid coach paint too