So, yesterday I went to start a print and my P1P failed because it could not home the Z. Did this twice in a row. Turn the printer over and clean out the bottom and even though there was some debris nothing under the lead screws. Turned it back on and started the print and it got past the level process and just as it went to lay down the purge line, the nozzle scrapped all plate near the end of the purge line. I heard it and stopped it immediately.
DAMN!
So what I did notice when I turned the printer over is tons of black grease that I use on the screws. KEZE Silicone PTFE which I read someone where that this was great for 3d printers. after closer inspection there was grease all over the belt and the wheels.
Took it apart and used hot soapy water to clean the belt and used WD40 along with soap and water and finished up with IPA. Put it all back together and it seems to be running like a charm.
I am afraid to turn my other 3 P1S over to look to see if this grease is under there. I have been using it for a year now. Is KEZE Silicone Grease with PTFE a good grease to use?
“Good for” is a bit of an unhelpful framing.
These are interference belts, they don’t rely on friction to operate, but rather the actual tooth engagement with the toothed wheels.
The other dimension is chemical interaction between the grease components and the belts - there is no simple answer, but at the worst, some greases could be harmful to belt materials, so on balance, I’d say there’s no upside and potentially significant downsides, so I would avoid it.
Now, neither of these things explain why your machine is running better now, it could easily be that cleaning it removed some junk from pulleys or the belts.
I see, makes sense. Maybe the belts were just a little loose and me taking them off and putting them back on put the correct tension on them. Not sure. It is working and have not had an issue with 3 prints so far.
Thanks for the info, greatly appreciated.
Hi, so what were the long term impacts of grease on belts? Anything serious?
I did a Y axis maintenance using the oil, it was my first time, and for some insane reason I put grease on the belts. I feel like a real idiot because I was following the directions and really don’t know what compelled me to do it… 
I have wiped it off with a cloth that had isopropyl on it but there is still some in some small amount in the groves… I also cleaned the Y axis rods again just in case and re lubricated those as I read it said in the instructions no grease of those rods!!!
I did a calibration and it was fine… I am doing a benchy print now…
Do I need to buy new belts? Or should I go through with iso and a cotton bud to get into those groves? Will the iso do more damage than the grease?
Any help would be appreciated. I have a large print job to do for a friend by the end of Saturday so I really hope I can go ahead.
If it was just lubricating grease - you know, that sticky stuff - and not oil, then luckily you don’t have much to worry about. If there really are only small amounts left, the grease won’t harm the belt. It will just even out over time.
One drawback, however, is that dust and debris now stick to it more easily. However, I wouldn’t try to forcefully clean it even more with alcohol, since that would probably just damage the belt. A lubricated belt is better than a brittle belt caused by too much alcohol.
As long as it’s really just a little greas left and not completely covered in it. If you still want to remove it, try something other than alcohol. Just wipe it off with a cloth or some cotton swab.
Grease is usually not harmful to polyurethane (PU) - the belt. Alcohol can damage polyurethane (PU), cause it to dry out, and create micro-cracks. Not right away, but if you keep using alcohol over and over again.
Thanks for the quick reply. I really do appreciate it.
It was the white grease that came with my printer… I think I put it on because I can remember greasing the screws… I did get most of it off.
Now I will say the printer is sounding very smooth and much quieter for having servicing the Y axis.
Benchy turned out great…
Thanks again! 