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Flight Safety
Its hard to say whether the tail drive failed from overheating or lack of lubrication, most probably it was a bit of both. What I was alluding to was the fact that its dealing with the overheating that is the primary issue, dealing with lubrication is secondary and this is why the aircraft I fly has a system whereby synthetic glycol is sprayed onto the hot parts. The tank holds sufficient to last 50-odd minutes, though its only certified to run for 30 minutes following complete loss of oil. As far as I am aware, the glycol does not really lubricate well, it just transfers the heat away. If you used grease, it would get very hot very quickly to the point that it might vapourise and I am not sure it would do much of a lubrication job. It would certainly make a lot of smoke!
HC
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