Originally Posted by
K7SGJ
I'll tell you something about 3 in 1 oil, Fred. Unless the formulation has changed over the years, with time and temperature, it tends to leave a gummy, varnish like residue. And that really plays hell with fan bearings and other moving parts. For quite some time, I've been using a very good quality synthetic clock oil that lasts a long, long time, and doesn't break down with heat. I've also used it in commercial applications with equipment in some very harsh environments without any issues. The stuff isn't very expensive (well, it is more than 3n1) and a little goes a long way. I just apply it with a small syringe/needle I get at the vet supply. Like I said, it might be that 3n1 has changed it's formulation, but back when I use to work on sewing machines, that stuff really played hell on the bearings and races. Just an FYI