Lincoln "L" Technical Questions

Well done, Francis. The adjustments do make a difference. Be sure to set both sides the same...Glad you are getting good results.
The steering takes a bit of muscle on these heavy old Lincolns, but proper lube in the gearbox helps. Another point that you have probably noticed: don't try to steer when the car is stationary. Even a very slow travel, forward or back makes steering much easier. Carry on....

I was going to fiddle with the settings, now you have given me encouragement to try. I will tell you that I put the Pennrite in and the shock oil and took it down the road this weekend. World of difference, I think just a bit more stiffening will help. But very pleased. Frank

Francis, I think the motorcycle fork oil is going to be pretty similar to generic shock absorber oil that was available in past times. The forks have internal dampers that work just like automotive shock absorbers. I would advise backing off the adjustment to #1  and then driving the car to see how much more stiffness is desired. I run mine at # 2 or 3, 5 is too stiff.

I have not done anything yet, so all this advice and past experience is most helpful. I have the Pennrite and Lubriplate in hand, I will need to carefully consider using a HW motorcycle fork oil for the shocks, which I think will be ok. But need to read more. If it works, I will let everyone know. Nice to see that "special fluid" is not a new business concept.

Frank

Hi, Frank,
I am not sure the seals in the old shocks are compatible with petroleum oils. The Lincoln manual calls for Glycerin, but I saw in a late service bulletin (1930-54 or 55) that the fluid was changed from Glycerin to "Special Fluid".
I had my front shocks rebuilt by A-1 Shocks, and they use a generic shock absorber oil.
Good Luck to you

All good advice and helpful. I have ordered some heavy duty Penrrite and will be checking both the steering box and other spots you identified. I will check into the MAG-00 product as well. I run this car in very hot weather. I am also considering adding a higher weight oil into the shocks.

I am still learning my way with this wonderful machine. This forum is very helpful to novice Lincoln owners such as myself.

Frank Spinale

Francis,
The Glycerine fill refers only to the Houdaille shock absorbers. The Lincoln manual prescribes 600W gear oil for the steering gearbox and also for the universal joint at the transmission. There is a special thick oil called "Penrite" that is supposed to be the top quality for antique car steering gears. The problem with 600W is that it will leak out of the steering box, as there is no seal on the output shaft, where the main steering arm connects, outside the frame. Be prepared for a drip. Same applies to the u-joint ball housing, where the book also recommends 600W. Modern greases are far superior to what was available in the 1920s, so a soft grease like NLGI #1 or 0  should be OK. A #2 chassis grease (I use Lubriplate 630-2) is good for all the other fittings, including the clutch release bearing and the starter shaft. Another Lubriplate product, MAG-00, is what I have used for steering box, it is a semi-fluid grease, thicker than 600W, but softer than ordinary grease, that minimizes leakage. Its soft texture allows it to flow into the worm and gear teeth to maintain contact lubrication.

I thought so, but wanted to see what others were doing. Will clean out and use high weight oil as recommended. I will check again, but the owners manual states that this was filled at the factory and requires no maintenance. In another spot it speaks of glycerine. The 600W solution makes total sense.
Thank you.
Frank

Grease is not correct.
The box should have an allemite pin type fitting on it, just like most of the rest of the car. IF you have an owners manual, it should tell you what types of lubricant go in each location. The steering box should use the same lubricant as just about all of the rest of the car, 600W oil. You should most certainly flush the grease out and refill it.

L

Finally have the 29 sport touring running down the road. The steering seems a bit stiff and I noticed an modern grease fitting where the fill plug would be at the steering box. What is supposed to be in this, or better yet, what is the best to have in this. Grease does not seem right. I am thinking of flushing it out with diesel and putting a ~250 wt oil in there?

Any suggestions most appreciated.
Frank