Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/250939
F2 Greases 1 800 255 4417 www.castroldiesel.com/GPS General Information When heavy-duty equipment requires a lubricant that has staying power, thickness and the ability to provide a seal between moving parts, a grease is typically recommended. The National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) defines grease as: "A solid to semi-solid dispersion of a thickening agent in a liquid lubricant. Additives imparting special properties may be included." This means that grease is mainly base oil plus soap or thickener and additives. Each of these grease components is reviewed in depth below: Thickeners Grease is usually identified by the type of thickener or soap used in its formulation. Each thickener has several inherent characteristics that enhance the finished grease product. The following is an explanation of the most common grease thickeners and their properties. Note: The temperatures quoted below represent the suggested maximum service temperature for each type of thickener. This is not the same as the thickener's dropping point, which is, on average, 38°C/100°F higher. In practice, upper end service temperatures are limited by flash point and oxidation of base oil. • odium Soap: A fibrous thickener that provides natural rust resistance but has poor S water resistance. It is generally associated with poor low temperature properties. A sodium soap is recommended for use in a maximum temperature range of 93–135°C/200–275°F. This thickener is basically obsolete. • alcium Soap (Simple): Calcium soap is known for its smooth structure and excellent C water resistance. Its maximum service temperature is 121°C/250°F. • alcium Soap (Complex): Calcium complex is still smooth in texture but contains C inherent extreme pressure load-carrying abilities and good water resistance. Its maximum service temperature is 149°C/300°F. • alcium Sulfonate: This thickener is noted for its excellent rust protection and service C temperature that tops 204°C/400°F. Its texture is smooth. • ithium Soap (Simple): Another smooth-textured thickener, a lithium soap boasts good L water resistance and mechanical stability. Its maximum service temperature is 163°C/325°F. • ithium Soap (Complex): Like its simple counterpart, lithium complex soap has good L water resistance and mechanical stability but a higher service temperature of 204+°C/400+°F. Its texture is smooth but slightly stringy. • Aluminum Complex: A smooth gel with excellent water resistance, shear stability and pumpability. Its maximum service temperature is 204+°C/400+°F. FIELD TESTED. FLEET TRUSTED. • lay: A smooth-structured thickener known for its ability to resist melting and excellent C water resistance. • olyurea: An opaque, slightly mealy thickener, Polyurea has good oxidation and water P resistance. Its maximum service temperature is 177°C/350°F. GPS-2014-1 © 2014 Wakefield Canada Inc.