Hi, I have some very old computer fans (8x8 and 9x9cm) whose sleeve bearings are a little worn (but not much, they still work without shaking too much). I have been oiling them for a few years with SAE 20W-50 motor oil and it works fine for me for a long time (and not so much with 3 in 1 because they last less than motor oils. Probably evaporate quickly due to their low viscosity. I suppose the same would happen with sewing machine oil because it is very light, although I have not tried it).
My question is (mainly curious) if pure mineral oil (some also call it liquid paraffin, usually sold in pharmacies and used on the skin to moisturize it) are also good for lubricating very small bushings such as those in pc fans.
This pure oil caught my attention because it is highly refined and virgin (it can be safely used on human skin and other cosmetic uses), is non-detergent and apparently it is completely dielectric (I have heard of motherboards immersed in this oil and working at the same time), but I guess it doesn't have something that, in my opinion, is very important: the anti-wear additive to reduce metal-to-metal friction as much as possible, and I'm not sure if this can withstand the high temperatures that a sleeve bearing reaches.
What do you think about this type of oil? Is anti-wear additive really necessary for these very small sleeve bearings? I have heard that pure mineral oil is recommended for sewing machines and razors/clippers because it is clean, has no detergent additives and does not get sticky, but what about the lack of anti-wear additive? The goal is to prevent bearing wear as much as possible with a lubricant that forms a strong and durable film. At the moment, motor oil is the most reliable thing I know. Thanks.
My question is (mainly curious) if pure mineral oil (some also call it liquid paraffin, usually sold in pharmacies and used on the skin to moisturize it) are also good for lubricating very small bushings such as those in pc fans.
This pure oil caught my attention because it is highly refined and virgin (it can be safely used on human skin and other cosmetic uses), is non-detergent and apparently it is completely dielectric (I have heard of motherboards immersed in this oil and working at the same time), but I guess it doesn't have something that, in my opinion, is very important: the anti-wear additive to reduce metal-to-metal friction as much as possible, and I'm not sure if this can withstand the high temperatures that a sleeve bearing reaches.
What do you think about this type of oil? Is anti-wear additive really necessary for these very small sleeve bearings? I have heard that pure mineral oil is recommended for sewing machines and razors/clippers because it is clean, has no detergent additives and does not get sticky, but what about the lack of anti-wear additive? The goal is to prevent bearing wear as much as possible with a lubricant that forms a strong and durable film. At the moment, motor oil is the most reliable thing I know. Thanks.