Oil in 3 speed hub and crankset

[HerrOtto]

Hello, I was wondering if someone can tell me what type of oil and how much to use in the rear hub and crankset of an old (1958-1963)JC Higgins 3 speed.? There are oil ports at both locations. Thank you

 

[horsefarmer]

I have used 3 in 1 electric motor oil in 3 speed hubs. It is SAE 20 weight.

 

[HerrOtto]

Thanks for the replies. I am not starting with a dry hub, or at least I don't think its dry. Should I use 30w or 20w for the crank also?

 

[Indyjps]

I use 50wt gear lube on freewheels. Clean them in gasoline to get the crud out, submerge in 50 wt and rotate them once in a while.
Should hang and cling well in a multi gear hub.

 

[Short Stuff]

I would use 0W20 Mobil 1. Be Well, SS.

 

[Wildcat]

Along with the 30w motor oil added to the port, I take off the shifter, with the chain or rod, put some oil right in the axle then operate the shift a few times. If there's no port, like a shimano, that's a good way to get oil in there. I had a shimano 3cc that worked great for many years after oiling it that way.

 

[Captain Awesome]

I use 50wt gear lube on freewheels. Clean them in gasoline to get the crud out, submerge in 50 wt and rotate them once in a while.
Should hang and cling well in a multi gear hub.

Almost the same. I use kerosene to clean and soak in 80w gear oil. I've still got a ton of it from my motorcycle racing days so I might as well use it

 

[us56456712]

Some 3 speed hubs like Sachs will be ruined unless you use an oil like 3 in 1. They won’t shift. They stress this in their service info so I only use this oil for all oil ports on bicycles. Sewing machine oil is also ok. No additives.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Good to know. For the Sachs, do you add it to the shifter chain hole? I couldn't find an access hole, and I'm hesitant to disassemble mine