Engine hatch motor piston

[TheBigb]

Is it normal for my engine hatch to make a crunchy sound when it's going up and down. Should I be lubricating with wd40 or anything? I'm talking about the electric hatch. My 280 has one motor and piston.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

It is a screw type lift, so yes - lubrication is a good idea! I use some slick 50 spray. WD40 might not have enough staying power in my opinion.

 

[TheBigb]

Thanks, yea its that type of lift. It's ok to use a flammable lubricant like that in the engine bay?

 

[Drifter85258]

If it is like mine, it has a grease fitting. I was amazed at how much mine took. My fuse was blowing from time to time when raising the hatch. Greased the shaft, worked properly ever since.

 

[TheBigb]

Drifter, did you use WD-40 or just mechanics grease?

 

[Great lakes pirate]

Load them up with grease.

 

[bbwhitejr]

Is wheel bearing grease OK to use?

Thanks,

 

[Great lakes pirate]

That should work just fine.

 

[bbwhitejr]

Whew...that is what I used. It is a lithium based grease. Reason I ask...I read somewhere on here about a month ago where someone ignored them and had to replace. The thread talked about the zerk fitting on the actuator so I made myself a note. Mine made a little noise as it opened and closed so I gave it 4 shots of grease and some light machine oil on the piston shaft. After that, it now makes more noise than before and it started as soon as I put the grease to it. I am going to check the hinges and lightly oil them as that may be were the noise is coming from. How can I tell how much grease to put in it?

Thanks for any advice...