For lubricating plain journal bearings, what is the proper industry
standard oil? I ask because I've seen many kinds used. Some use
straight SAE 30, while others prefer to add thickener, such as STP to
plain SAE 30.

I suppose it's somewhat temperature-dependent too.

All comments and suggestions are welcome.

Thanks. -Chuck

Here is a product:

www.docs.citgo.com/msds_pi/C10076.pdf

PC

In Canada we use Galcar made by Mobil. I don't know if it is available in the U.S. or not.
https://www.mobil.com/English-CA/Commer ... R-ALL-YEAR

We use a Brad-Penn product called No Rust Journal Oil. The proper oil must be used to preserve the brass bearing. I ran into a locomotive using a standard motor oil in the suspension bearings (very similar to the journals) and it would tear the wicks to shreds and turn it to gray matter.

Though many oils may work satisfactorily in the journal for lubricating, it is important that the oil include the rust inhibitor. Journals are notorious for having trace amounts of water from various sources. That is tough to avoid. Having the rust inhibitor helps protect the steel surface from droplets that might sit on the pad. Bearings that turn often have many less issues. If it is to sit any amount of time, the rust inhibitor is a must. We have used STP to help fill voids in scored axle to help prevent overheating while things seat it....but in addition to the journal oil, not a replacement for.

Pat Connors
BSOR

Www.steamenginelube.com

See pin, bearing and journal oil.

Not cheap, but worth every penny.

Here is another one. This is what we are currently using in both cars and locomotives on the C&TS.

RailGuard

Generally, it should be an A.A.R. spec., all year, journal bearing oil. It's also used for traction motor bearings using oil lubrication. There are a number of suppliers including Interlube, Texaco (Journaltex), Chevron, Esso (Galcar), etc.

At Western Railway Museum we use Chevron Journaltek HD57. It's about $10 per gallon in 55-gal drums.

Here is the list Dave Johnston developed for possible sources, all meet AAR M 963:

Journal Oil, AAR M 963
Application:
Plain journal bearings, motor support bearings, motor armature bearing, waste lubricated air compressor bearings, other waste lubricated bearings, and oil lubricated center bearings.

Suppliers:
Chevron Journaltex HD 57.
Chevron Journal Bearing Oil, CPS Code 233803
Union 76 “76 AAR 963 Oil”. Product code1044672
Phillips 66 RR Journal Oil. ConocoPhillips Company
Shell Cyprina Oil 963
Valvoline M-963-84 “All year car oil”
Citgo Railroad Car Oil No. 9. Citgo Petroleum Corporation
Journal Oil AYG. Interlube Corporation
No Rust Journal Bearing Oil, Product code H45-7305
American Refining Group.

https://www.interlubecorp.com/industry/railroad/

Journal Guard AYG does a good job, and the last time I ordered some it still came in 5 gallon pails. They have plenty of other products available in their rail prduct line.

Interlube Corp. produces a lot of products for the railroad industry.

The journal oil I currently have on hand is from Shell and comes in a 5 gallon bucket. Unless you over-fill your boxes, a 5 gallon bucket will last a long time.

Have no purchased any for some time, so not sure if Shell still makes it.

.

Greetings:
Valley Railroad has been using Interlube AYG for decades.
Also their steam cylinder oil (valve oil) and air oil for the air end of compressors.
Since converting from hard grease to oil it is used on side and main rods as well.
All of their products can be purchased in 6 gallon pails or 55 gallon drums.
J.David
PS: I don't own any stock in Interlube! JDC

If I remember correctly, M963 has a discussion of the various additives and what they do, just as M942 does.

Link to older post here on the subject:

http://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5599

Thread on a narrow-gauge forum:

http://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,226203,226413

Interlube is also one of the few suppliers of A.A.R. Brake Cylinder Lubricant and Triple Valve Oil.
I too have no stock in Interlube but I do use their products in my business and museum work.