blocked displacement/hydrostatic lubricator

[gardener69Participant @gardener69]

Can any one help sight glass for lubricator is over half full of oil. Do I need to put more glycerine in the glass? how do I go about it. Other thoughts please

See photo, link below

i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn181/gardener692/2009_0422Heidi090011_zpshaskf41v.jpg

[gardener69Participant @gardener69]

[julian atkinsParticipant @julianatkins58923]

hi,

what has happened is that when not in use, steam oil has syphoned back from the delivery pipe into the sight glass.

this is due to incorrect 'closing down' procedure at the end of a steam up, and failing to close the left hand needle valve fully.

it is possible that by using a large bore syringe you can remove the excess steam oil from the sight glass from the top if the union connector is unscrewed. however this is often very difficult to do properly.

my own advice would be to remove the whole of the top fitting to all 3 glasses, clean everything with cellulose thinner, and refill the glasses with glycerine once re-assembled. at the same time you can check that the needle valves are not damaged and that the jets are cleaned and replaced. it would be very unusual to find a blocked jet in my experience.

cheers,

julian

[gardener69Participant @gardener69]

Many thanks Julian I will try the syringe first , my guess is I will have to remove the whole set up as you suggested.

I was worried as well that the left cylinder might not be getting enough oil, I do not want anything to seize up.

I will keep you posted and try and post another photo when all is well.

[gardener69Participant @gardener69]

Just about finished pulling apart, cleaning and putting back together the hydrostatic oilers only have to refill with glycerin now, then test. Will be mixing the glycerin then diluting 50% with water before filling the oilers.

Once I remember how to post photos will show the results. Very fiddley.

Once again thanks, this forum is very handy.

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