[R-390] R390-A Gear Lubrication Oil Smell

[Norman Ryan via R-390]

Hi, Larry,
I use Mobil 1 90W.  It probably is similar in odor to yours.  To me the smell is similar to natural gas.  The odor does not persist, but goes away over time.  So, not to worry, in time your rig can be brought back in from the garage.
When used sparingly, Mobil 1 works really well and tends to stay where you want it.
A teeny, teeny dab on gear clamp screw shoulders and threads allows the clamps to be tightened more with less risk of breaking.  Just be sure the clamp inner surfaces and shafts are completely dry.
73Norman
 
      From: Larry H <dinlarh at att.net>
 To: R-390 Forum <r-390 at mailman.qth.net> 
 Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2015 12:14 AM
 Subject: [R-390] R390-A Gear Lubrication Oil Smell
   
Before I cleaned and lubed the R390-A I'm working on, I read through the Pearls and forum for advice.  The overwhelming consensus was to use Mobil 1 75W-90 (or similar non-sulphur) oil for the gears.  That I did and it certainly works great!
However, after a day back in the house, I noticed a smell like a machine shop (mostly in my work room).  I thought since I put it on very sparingly, I would not experience that.  I guess I should have expected it, but maybe it's due to our air and heat not running this week.  So now it's back in the garage sitting.
Any how,  is there a good oil to use that has a lot less aroma?  I was looking online, and saw an oil for compound hunting bows that looks good and is synthetic and odorless - 'Spot On Lubricant - VersaOil'. It's viscosity is 50 at 40*C, which might be a little low.  The viscosity of Mobil 1 75W-90 is 103 at 40*C.  The viscosity of Mobil 1 10W-30 is 63 at 40*C.  The viscosity of Mobil 1 75W-140 is 170 at 40*C.  
So, is 50 too low of a viscosity to use?
Any suggestions that will let me bring it back in the house where I need it would be most appreciated.
Regards, Larry