Reply To: John Deer Corn Head Grease

[foot_doctor]

Here’s my take on this subject.  JD Cornhead grease is a readily available NLGI#0 grease.  I have been recommending it for quite some time to be used in non-shift  outboard gear cases.  The reasons are simple.  It protects the heavily loaded surfaces of the gears and bearings when it has been diluted with water.  Gear oil simply does not serve well when water enters the system.  In addition, the thicker consistency of the grease serves to resist the intrusion of water past compromise seals.  I have assembled hundreds of racing gear cases for racers and hobbyists, and it has been proven time after time that the NLGI #0 grease that I have been filling the quicksilver with provides the best protection for gear life.  #0 grease is simply the thinnest grease.  Thinner is oil.  The grease that I use contains an Extreme Pressure Additive that serves to separate the heavily loaded gear contact surfaces. I have observed less wear when the grease is employed versus the finest of gear oils such as Mercury’s High Performance #90 gear oil.  When water invades the oil, it easily separates as it rests.  Areas of the steel gears and shafts exposed to the water rust when allowed to be exposed for a period of time.  When the Corn Head grease is used, and water intrudes, it forms an emulsion that continues to protect under load and at rest.  So, use the oils in shifter units, and Corn Head in the others.  And, by the way, Lubriplate 105 is assembly lube, not meant for LU use.  It simply comes packaged in a simple to use tube, and has no EP component.  Have fun Boating.  R.T