The vulcan stove manuals says DON'T OIL and generally you shouldn't. 


But there cases when it can/should need oiling. Lets explain when/where/why.


DON'T OIL the Vulcan stove unless there is problem. Even then be VERY CAREFUL were you oil and oiling some parts will CAUSE DAMAGE.



DON'T EVER OIL the bearings

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Most bearings these days have seals or shields to hold the grease or oil in. They are oiled effectively for life. They can last years and years without any maintenance.  The vast majority of people don't have the equipment at home to remove the seals/shields to properly and to clean the lubricant out before replacing the lubricant. Worse it is highly unlikely you have the correct lubricate at home and again won't have the equipment to precisely measure the suitable amount of grease/oil to put back in the bearings. 

Many people think it is a good idea to add a few drops of oil around the outside of bearings. DON'T! The oil will over time find its way into the bearing. It may even seem to work better for a while. However over the coming days the two different types of lubrication will mix and emulsify. This normally results in a congealing and a being a sticky mess.


The bearing basically gets worse and for the Vulcan the extra friction can't in many cases stop it from running.


DON'T OIL the graphite and glass piston

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Graphite is a self-lubricating bearing. For low friction and relatively slow speed applications its brilliant. We have engines that have been running for about 20 years with no lubrication. I


The tolerances on the piston are super tight.  If any lubrication is used it will seize the piston. 


DO not ever lubricate this part. Keep oil, water and any liquids away from this. 



The one part you can oil occasionally

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There is one part you can oil if you have issues. Check the shaft at the back that goes up and down through the brass bush.

Rotate the fan round so you can check the shaft it should feel oily and not sticky. If it isn't oily clean it with a kitchen paper towel until it is shiny. Then put a SINGLE drop of oil it. DO NOT keep repeating. Occasional oiling once a season or once a month is ok. Do not use WD40 oil or motor oil. Use a light machine oil such as 3 in 1.


Never oil anything else. DO NOT oil bearings and DO NOT the glass.



Yes....but I have the this really great oil

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Gun oil = Bad

Motor oil = Bad

Sewing machine oil = Bad

WD40 = Bad

3 in 1 oil = Yes ok