Mechanical Lubricator linkage

This topic has 11 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 9 November 2025 at 15:10 by Ian R.

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8 November 2025 at 15:10 #823556
Ian R
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@ianr
I have just replaced my ratchet driven mechanical lubricator with a lubricator with mechanical cam that rocks on the oil plunger giving the same amount of oil delivery with every rock/arc of your lubricator drive.

The length of travel of the arm on lubricator is currently insufficient

Is there a way to modify the linkage to increase the travel

The linkage is a wire rod being driven by the movement of the axle pump shaft to the lubricator arm
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8 November 2025 at 16:46 #823567
duncan webster 1
Participant
@duncanwebster1
I can’t imagine that the sprag clutch actually grabs the plunger, more likely the rod on which the cam is mounted. If so just make the lever a bit shorter
8 November 2025 at 18:12 #823572
bernard towers
Participant
@bernardtowers37738
As Duncan says put the linkage close to the fulcrum point. Also I notice you say every rock/arc gives a delivery ,isn’t that a lot of lube?
8 November 2025 at 18:22 #823576
Ian R
Participant
@ianr
Thank you for your reply

I have been looking at using this method of putting the linkage close to the fulcrum point.

I was hoping to explore any other options of increasing the travel by modifying the linkage rather than moving the linkage up the arm which gives me issues with the mounting on the axle pump shaft
8 November 2025 at 21:00 #823602
Charles Lamont
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@charleslamont71117
Well, it is a bit difficult to to propose a solution without being able to understand what the problem is, and it is a bit difficult to see the problem without a picture.
9 November 2025 at 09:48 #823642
Ian R
Participant
@ianr
Charles sorry if my description was not good enough. I have attached a diagram which I hope explains what my issue is with the linkage not giving enough travel.
9 November 2025 at 10:42 #823667
noel shelley
Participant
@noelshelley55608
Hi Ian, by bringing the point of movement up the lever on the lub pump you will increase the amount of angular rotation and therefore the speed of the lub pump – or is there some reason why this cannot be done ? Noel.
9 November 2025 at 12:27 #823685
Ian R
Participant
@ianr
Noel

Yes I could move the point of movement a very small amount I then have an issue with the wire linkage and the piston of the axle pump.

I was exploring if you could modify the linkage keeping the same current end points but increase the amount of travel.

I have searched the internet for any information on how to design and build a linkage to power a mechanical lubricator but found nothing so I thought I would ask this forum
9 November 2025 at 12:46 #823686
bernard towers
Participant
@bernardtowers37738
What is the double right angle kink in the linkage?
9 November 2025 at 14:59 #823704
stephen goodbody
Participant
@stephengoodbody77352
I’ve dropped you a PM, Ian, but can’t find a way to include this picture:
9 November 2025 at 15:05 #823708
noel shelley
Participant
@noelshelley55608
PLAN B, As shown by Stephen or a variation on it. Noel.
9 November 2025 at 15:10 #823710
Ian R
Participant
@ianr
Bernard

The lubricator sits in front of the smoke box between the front wheels

The linkage drive is the a pin attached to axle pump shaft the linkage is that shape to be able to by pass axle pump
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