Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Hello.

I have now read Ross` "How to rebuild the BTV", and are ready to start rebuilding my BTV.
Can anybody tell me what "Lubriplate" is/or its equivalent(s), if any. I`m not able to find the product "Lubriplate" here in Norway.
Has anyone any experience using vacuum pump oil to lube the power pump wick and leather?

Thanks in advance.

Tom

You can use baby oil as the lubricant for the leather seal and wick. The shop manual calls for mineral oil and if you look at the ingredient label on baby oil guess what? Mineral oil.

Lubriplate is a "white grease". Historically available at General Motors dealers that i know of for many decades. Not sure if it still is available at GM dealers or not because i've had enuf to last for the last 10 years. Internationaly maybe try some GM COMMERCIAL equipment dealer such as GM truck dealers or maybe some other commercial equipment dealers. Available in small cans (1 pound i think it is) an all the way up to 5 gallon cans full. Mite be available thru other sources too.

It is expensive.

Search eBay "lubriplate". There is plenty there. There is a variety of lubriplate formulas. If in doubt, be sure to get the lubriplate suitable for wheel bearings. I have one can here that is "Auto-Lube A" formula for door hinges, latches, etc but does not indicate wheel bearings on the cans description.

Go look at eBay to see if u can't find it localy. Just have to determine which type u want.

Yes, Lubriplate was a staple in many shops for decades - a wonderful product that is more than merely white grease.

It used to be widely available in cans at parts stores, but mass-market merchants now only wanna carry tiny little tubes.

Some GM dealers still carry the original Lubriplate grease in 14 oz. cans, but with GM labelling (P/N 1052196); they have to order by the case. GM also showed an aerosol version in their chemical catalog, but I prefer the original "brush-on" type.

WRT to lubricating the leather packing and wick, I've used air tool oil with no problem.

Rocky46, no experience with the BTV but my 34 Eight has a vacuum power brake system and I've used vacuum pump oil for the booster cylinder lubrication with complete success, 45+ years and about 45,000 miles of my ownership and it's never needed attention other than occasional lubrication. The particular brand I use is Mobil. I've also used it in the Trico vacuum wiper motors.

Thank you all.

Tom