You may find that the same lube tested on consecutive days will give different speeds. That has to be the first step in your tests - varify that any speed differences you see are due only to the lube and not to the day, the particular pack you used, the temperature or charge of the packs, the water conditions, etc. It would be a shame to spend so much time on what could be a vaulable test program only to find the results are meaningless....
A few things to think about before starting:
- How will you keep the lubes from being flushed up into the boat while running? The test results will be useless if the lube doesn't stay in the stuffing tube.
Correct! We'll see which ones have staying power.
- Are you using Teflon liners or not? If yes, how will the condition of the liner effect the results between the first and the last pair of runs?
Yes. Once I narrow the field down to the top 2 or 3, I will repeat the test.
- How will you know if a lube works great for thirty seconds then breaks down?
I won't, but I really don't want a lube that doesn't last one run. Longevity is one of the qualities I am looking for.
- What if the thicker lubes need to warm up a bit to give the lowest friction?
Each lube will get (2) 3 minute runs. If it takes longer than that to 'seat in', then I guess I won't know.
- Is a difference of one mph even significant?
Not to me.
- Is initial top speed the best thing to measure, or is amp draw or the ability to
stay fast for a two minute race? You have to define what is meant by "best" before your testing begins.
You are right. I wish I had an Eagle Tree data logger, but unfortunately I do not. I plan on taking temp readings on the stuffing tube, but I cannot control the ambient temp over the several days it will take to complete the testing. Just have to wait and see.
I plan to use two different packs (topped off) for each lube and plan on early morning runs when the water is flat and no wind. 1 lube per day.
I am mainly looking for: 1. Free up some rpm/speed; 2. Longevity (I get tired of removing the flex shaft after 2 runs).
FWIW, my favorite is
Pennzoil Synthetic 75-90W GL-5 from Wally's.
I'll see if I can pick some up.
http://www.pennzoil.com/#/transmissi...etic-gear-oils
.
Bookmarks