The relative effects of several vapor lubrication parameters on bearing performance were examined using a ball-on-rod tester. Lubricants included in the evaluation were a tertiary-butylphenyl phosphate (TBPP), a 2 cSt polyalphaolefin blended with 15 percent TBPP (PAO+), the TBPP blended with 33 percent tributyl phosphate (TBPP+), a cyclophosphazine (X-1P), a polyphenylether (5P4E), and a perfluoroalkylether (Z). Parameters included in the study were bearing temperature, vapor concentration, and vapor temperature. Additionally, a solid lubricant coating was included to improve the bearing performance under cold-start conditions. The lubricants containing phosphorus demonstrated the best high temperature performance. The TBPP lubricant failed shortly after test at 650°C., while the X-1P lubricant performed satisfactorily over an eight-hour period at 650°C. The TBPP+ lubricant demonstrated the widest temperature range capability, with 600°C operation and a projected pump-ability point of–-45°C. Lubricant concentration was the most significant system parameter affecting bearing friction and wear. Presented at the 51st Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio May 19–23, 1996