Quoted from markmon:I guess when the lube gunks up and the spinner is worse than ever you can come back here and add that to the list of downsides.
I think that's a little much. Even back in the day, it took 15 or 20 years for lube to 'gunk up'. It was often applied too liberally at the factory and the quality of lubricants wasn't nearly up to what we can buy today. I've got spinners I lubed 5 years ago that you wouldn't be able tell without a magnifying glass today. No dirt buildup, no gunk, no nothing. Still spinning way faster than factory. Newer Stern spinners beg to be lubed. It actually enhances gameplay. Ask anyone who's done it.
Quoted from Jeff_PHX_AZ:What kind of oil? 3-n-1? Where do you apply the oil above or below the playfield?
3 in 1 will work. I don't recommend any type of grease. Sure it's a lubricant, but it's not as slippery as light oil. If you want to get fancy, use synthetic oil. It will probably take 50 years to gunk up. A small drop on each pivot point will do it. Not on the wire that goes under the playfield. Wipe up excess (unless you use a toothpick, there should be excess), play game.
All spinners should spin as fast as they possibly can. It's a simple upgrade that noticeably enhances gameplay. No reason not to do it.