I've been running my Super 7 hard for something close to 20 years and I've never seen bubbles from the countershaft oil cups.

I've never checked temperatures though as it's always ru in a way I've assumed is normal.

Every few months I feed the countershaft some oil with Tungsten Disulphide mixed in,

– Nick

Just a suggestion but that type of bearing depends on having a slow flow of oil through it. It sounds as if something is stopping the flow. Dirt is a possibility, but if the lathe has been out of service for a long time the oil may have gummed up in the bearing and then cooked on to the bearing surface blocking the flow. In the worst case it may be necessary to replace the bearing; they can run metal to metal for a short time but wear is rapid once the surface is damaged.

Got a book that describes several different types of oiler. Some just drip, others have one or two cocks to control the flow rate. Oil containers may be sealed, open, or pressurised. There are types that limit flow with a wick syphoning oil into the bearing, or a felt pad, or a needle that vibrates against the shaft. The idea is to deliver oil fast enough to to good without wasting it. If the rate controller goes wrong oil may not get through at all.

I'd take the oiler and bearing apart and give the whole assembly a good clean. With luck the blockage will be obvious. I've found carburetor cleaner good for removing gummy and lacquered oil.

Dave

James, i have de same problem with my S7. When i fill up de oil cup and run the lathe in reverse, the oil will go into the bearing.

Jerry