Originally Posted by
Cecilia S.
So, I wonder if the Tri Flow may work well -in spite- of itself; that is, would it perhaps be better to use a solo solvent to de-rust and de-seize, and then follow with simply a high grade oil and solo liquid Teflon or solo liquid graphite? That is a genuine question and I really would love to hear what you think.:-)
Cecilia, An excellent critique. My take follows. I'm enjoying the excellent comments. Really worth the price of admission.
No, I'm not an oil authority, but, I do believe in using the proper product for the task. I'm not in favor of the shotgun approach. Dissolve rust with a reducing agent or mechanically clean (steel wool or plastic wire sponge). Dissolve residue paraffin or other gunk with a gunk solvent. Lubricate with a quality oil or grease, whichever is appropriate. It would be prudent to clean after each process. Like SteveH says WD 40 and other products my be needed, but assure it is gone prior to lubrication. Some have indicated maybe the solvent in TF evaporates leaving the Teflon to coat. If the solvent evaporates it also leaves the gunk it's supposed to dissolve, but, maybe chemically changed into something inert. Not sure. So, I use solvent and wipe clean to assure gunk is gone. It may take more than one application-cleaning cycle to rid of gunk.
What I have deduced from this excellent thread is Tri Flo is a triple threat (shotgun) - rust remover, solvent and lubricant. If it works as most state, it's the perfect product. May be.