On Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:07:35 -0500, Nicholas Bodley
wrote:

...
The motor normally ran hot, est. 125 or 150 C. I tried every lubricant I
could easily obtain except synthetic car-engine oil, and none lasted more
than maybe (at most) a week. Apparently factory lube was a high-tech
synthetic with very low volatility even when hot. I do hope that such a
lube is available in small quantities, such as 3 oz or 100 cc (probably
not equivalent, btw.)


Next time try light high-temperature wheel bearing grease. The stuff I
have is blue in color, flows reasonably well, works wonderfully,
doesn't burn off, and lasts.

As you note: oil just plain doesn't work. I've also tried synthetic
motor oil, and didn't have good results with it either. The only thing
that works for me is that wheel bearing grease. (look for some that
says 'good for disk brake wheel bearings' or something similar.