On Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:26:55 -0400, "Mortimer Schnerd, RN"
mschnerdatcarolina.rr.com wrote:



"MLD" wrote in message ...
Any suggestions for lubricating O-Rings that are used for water pumps,
basically I want to extend useful life as much as possible. Someone
suggested lithium grease?

Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline)

I don't think so---will eventually ruin the O ring



Back in the day when I was learning how to rebuild scuba regulators and valves I
was warned NEVER to use petroleum jelly or oil on a rubber o-ring as the
petroleum products would eventually attack and destroy rubber. We used silicon
grease.

They were wrong as far as O-ring compatibility. Perhaps the valve or
other material is what is in question, not the O-ring.

A little goes a long ways. We would apply enough to make the ring appear
wet.... but not enough to leave any excess glop on the ring.

Food grade silicon grease was available from restaurant supply houses. Dive
shops sometimes had it as well. And silicon spray is NOT the same as the
grease; it won't last nearly as long.