Myford S7 oil useage

[AStroudParticipant @astroud]

Hi

I started to dismantle the headstock to replace the 2 angular contact bearings, in the event I could not discern any play or issue with the installed bearings so despite the temptation to replace because I was in there I left them alone. I noticed the oil supply wick had a glazed end and shaved a bit off thinking this would aid the oil supply.

Now when I use the lathe the oil disappears from the reservoir in about 15 minutes of running time, much faster than before. Strangely I cannot see where the oil is going, no obvious pool anywhere.

Have I missed an adjustment somewhere or is this normal behaviour?

Andrew

 

[egaParticipant @ega]

Assuming that yours is the mk2 type, that oil usage does seem excessive. Is more oil now coming from the front bearing ie does it need taking up (don’t overdo!).

BTW, when my headstock was professionally overhauled the rear bearings were replaced “as a matter of course”, perhaps implying that they are prone to wear.

[AStroudParticipant @astroud]

Thanks, not sure if it is a Mk2, it is early 1960’s vintage with the oil reservoir in a small block on the side.

I cannot see where the oil is coming out and I adjusted the bearings to the book after my bearing check. When turning all is good with sizes and surface finish but it might be worth going through the procedure again.

The oil level is static when the lathe is not being used.

[bernard towersParticipant @bernardtowers37738]

I think I would be more worried if the oil level didn’t go down.

[Charles LamontParticipant @charleslamont71117]

If you fill the little oil cup at the start of the session, that is enough oil for the rest of the day, even if the level disappears quite rapidly.

[JohnFParticipant @johnf59703]

The Super 7 Mk1 I believe changed to the Mk2 in 1960 [courtesy of lathes.co.uk] but aphid of your headstock would verify which headstock it is.

Mine is a Mk2 and even running all day it never completely empties, I do however top it up first thing and then later in the day.

John

[egaParticipant @ega]

There is probably more oil in the gallery which connects with the bottom of the wick than in the flip-top cup but I always like to see some oil in the latter.

The earlier Super 7 is, I believe, also distinguishable from the later one by its clutch mechanism. I have no direct knowledge of the Mk1 headstock but it seems to have a larger reservoir of oil for the front bearing.

[JohnFParticipant @johnf59703]

Previous post   “aphid of your headstock”  =  a photo of your headstock !!!   Auto type auto correct ??? Must proof read !

John

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