To determine the correct oil level in our rotating equipment, we use a laser level technique. First, determine the center line of the shaft and inscribe a line on the outside of the housing to represent this point. Next, measure down one-half of the bearing pitch diameter (aka, mean diameter) and mark another line. The pitch diameter is the bore diameter plus the outside diameter divided by two.

The lower inscribed line would be halfway up the lowest rolling element. Project the laser line to this lower inscribed line representing the correct oil level. By using this method, we determined that a constant level oiler situated remotely from the housing was set half an inch too low. For the size of the bearing (6313), this meant that the bearing was receiving no oil. Rebuild cost on this equipment (Lamson Blower) is approximately $30,000. The laser level tool cost $50. (Submitted by David Gunn, MLT, Cariboo Pulp & Paper.)

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You could tar your roof with it. It sticks to everything. It spreads like cancer. You thought you were getting rid of it with the oil change and flush, but it is back again – lurking in your oil and gripping the insides of your machine.

Does this sound familiar? Maybe you have it now ... sludge and varnish. Do you know what causes it and how to stop it from spreading? Do you know how to prevent it from coming back later? More importantly, do you understand its destructive potential?

Read this article.

Test your knowledge and prepare for ICML lubrication and oil analysis certification.

Question: Name two symptoms of incompatibility in greases.

Get the answer.

"When should we schedule seals for replacement?"

Seals play a vital role in maintaining axles because they retain lubricant and keep dust and dirt out. In order to function properly, they must be installed correctly, be clean and be free of defects. Be on the lookout for the following conditions and replace the seal immediately:

• Check for a damaged seal lip, a bent outer shell, cupping, nicks or scoring.

• Examine the seal's edge. New seals should have a sharp edge. If the edge is flattened, replace the seal.

• Check for hardness or a brittle or cracked lip. If the seal lip area isn't flexible, replace it.

• Check the seal lip contact area. If the contact area is more than 1/32", the seal may be worn excessively or the material may have lost its consistency.

• Look for bonding separation of the seal to the outer shell. This could change the flexibility of the seal lip and cause a seal to leak.

• Check the seal spring for the fit of the seal to the outer shell. This could change the flexibility of the seal lip and cause a seal to leak.

• Check the inside of the seal lip, under the seal lip and the casing for dirt between the seal and the bearing cage. Also look for an accumulation of sludge or other contamination. The seal must be clean and free of contaminants.

From Truck Parts & Service, July 2003

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