Does "EP" always mean moly?

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prs

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When labeling on grease cartons, tubs, or cartridges list EP Fortified or EP in its description, or blended for extreme pressure applications is the gist of the claim that the product has moly? Some products will say moly or the literature will claim 5% or 3% or such. Often moly is not mentioned, but EP is common to many labels. Most of the greases that clearly list moly are black as coal, moly paste is even gritty with it. But translucent red like Mobil or Lucas R&T, well it seems unlikely that they have the black powder in their mix. Or, do they?

prs
 
The only EP grease I have direct experience with is Aeroshell 33MS/64, which claims it's "EP" properties are due in part to a 5% Moly composition.
 
Originally Posted By: Tempest
There are many other types of compounds that will give EP properties to a grease.


X 10

Antimony, calcium and lithium compounds are fairly common in EP rated greases.
 
Originally Posted By: prs
When labeling on grease cartons, tubs, or cartridges list EP Fortified or EP in its description, or blended for extreme pressure applications is the gist of the claim that the product has moly? Some products will say moly or the literature will claim 5% or 3% or such. Often moly is not mentioned, but EP is common to many labels. Most of the greases that clearly list moly are black as coal, moly paste is even gritty with it. But translucent red like Mobil or Lucas R&T, well it seems unlikely that they have the black powder in their mix. Or, do they?

prs


Most greases, black or non-black, are EP greases. EP performance usually comes from EP additives much the same as gear oils - S/P, Boron etc. Non EP greases have limited applications like high speed roller bearings under minimal load.

Moly is a solid film lubricant rather than an EP additive. It works differently and the smallest amount will turn the grease black. Some Moly compounds are not black however and will not turn the grease black.
 
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