-27-
When the oil level approaches the minimum line, add
enough oil to bring it up to the maximum line.
Monitoring Oil Temperature
During operations, regularly monitor the oil
temperature shown in the sight glass in Figure 69.
The temperature of the headstock oil must remain
under 138°C (170° F). or the oil will start to overheat
and break down, causing it to lose its lubrication
properties.
Verifying Oil Pump Operation
If the oil pump ever stops working, the spindle bearings
and headstock gears will stop being lubricated, which
can quickly result in major damage. Therefore, it is
critical to regularly monitor the oil
fl
ow while operating
the lathe.
Cleaning Pump System & Changing Oil
The headstock oil pump system must be cleaned and
the oil changed after the break-in period and then
annually (or every six months with hard service or
extreme working conditions).
To clean the oil pump system :
1. Disconnect Lathe from POWER !
2. Remove the cap from the
fi
ll spout shown in
Figure 70.
Figure 70. Headstock oil tank component
locations.
Oil Fill Spout
Access Cover
Drain Plug
Figure 68. Headstock oil tank & components.
Oil Fill Spout
Sight Glass
Headstock Oil Tank
Figure 69. Location of the headstock oil sight
glass.
Headstock Oil Sight Glass
Under normal conditions, the oil should not reach
138°C (170° F).; however, if it does, shut down the
machine and allow the oil to cool. Investigate why
the oil is getting so hot. Possibilities may be poor
ventilation, excessive work loads, poor oil quality, oil
that is losing lubricity due to long term use, or extreme
work site temperatures.
If possible, correct the conditions causing the oil to get
hot. If the oil is old or you suspect it is of poor quality,
change it. If the work loads or working environment
are extreme, reduce the duty cycle of the lathe to
allow the oil to cool down when it gets hot.
If the oil temperature ever exceeds 138°C (170°F).,
change it as soon as possible to make sure the
spindle bearings have high quality lubrication.
3. Place at least a 3-gallon drain pan under the tank
and remove the drain plug to empty the oil into
the pan.
4. Clean away any dust, debris, metal shavings, or
grime from the access cover.
5. Using a 4mm hex wrench, remove the four access
cover cap screws, then use the cap screw in the
center as a handle and lift off the access cover.
6. Put on splash-proof safety glasses, rubber
gloves, and a respirator rated for fumes.
7. Using mineral spirits and rags, wipe down the
inside of the tank to clean it. Make sure to soak
up any excess mineral spirits with a dry rag, so it
does not stay in the tank.
8. After the tank is completely cleaned out, unthread
the screen from the bottom of the pump suction
pipe, and remove the screen from the tank.
