Mixing Chevron & Mobil Grease in HVAC
Holden Shamburger
Chiller Training
2 minute read
I have found this to not only be controversial but difficult to research.
Can you blend Chevron SRI and Mobil Polyrex (EM) grease?
I've had one side of the fence argue it creates an acidic compound when mixed causing bearing failures.
I've had the other side argue they have mixed for decades with no evidence of issues. Keep in mind, some of the people on this side are motor specialists that service and rewind.
I don't care to take hear say on any level because of what I've seen in this industry. When I hear something I do my best to find material to back it up.
Some years ago I set out to solve this argument.
I finally found a research paper that was published on this exact issue.
They took the greases and combined them on a bearing with a clear housing and put it under a simulated load for a period of time.
The two greases took a dark grey color in the end.
Then the combined grease from the experiment was analyzed by a lab.
The grease didn't turn acidic. It did lose its lubricative properties.
The bases the two greases are made from counteracted each other. This meant the bearing was essentially spinning with a useless paste.
It was quite the rabbit hole to find all of this. Comment below if you'd like a video of me explaining this further.
Also would you like a video of my greasing practices? Why I do & don't certain things.
MTT
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