Oiling Help!
Hey all,
I just got a 10x15 C&P a few weeks ago and I’m just now getting around to the first round of oiling; She’s been sitting for a few years unused so I’m going to just keep oiling her for a few days.
What worries me is that I’m hearing the distinct sound of metal on metal (sort of like, a dry rub) when I turn the flywheel. I’ve stuck my head in there and tried to figure out where it coming from but can’t for the life of me. Any tips? Thanks!
First, google “C&P oiling chart” and download same so you don’t miss any oil holes/cups. There is one hidden hole that is only accessible through the hole in the bull gear on the right side of the press — don’t miss it. Then, oil the press well (30 wt non-detergent oil) and let it sit for a day or 10. You might want to fill all the oil holes/cup with a penetrating oil first, like Kroil, and then oil it. Just make sure you won’t be pulling crud into the bearings.Turn it over and see if the noise persists. If it does and you still can’t track it down, you can use a piece of hardwood dowel like a stethoscope to locate the offending bearing — press one end to your ear, and the other to the various bearings…good luck!
check everything that moves. there should be slight free play. look closely for any kind of metal shavings.
as mentioned above, listen for a grinding noise using a mechanics stethoscope. you can get one at auto parts store, for about 10 dollars.
if the grinding happens in a certain spot in the cycle, look for things that are in that part of the cycle, it the noise happens right away, look at crankshaft bearings, side arm bushings, or cam roller inside main gear.
thank you! I’m going to try all these options and also just basically shower the press in non detergent oil.
you’ve got a problem here, i would use the best oil possible. that would be a 10-30, or 30 weight synthetic. focus some on the main shaft. any dirty, looking, with metallic shavings draining out of a given bushing is not good. it is most likely your problem. oil should be as clean draining out as when you put it in.
I have a non detergent 30w synthetic oil that i’ve been using. For the life of me I can’t figure out where this sound is coming from and it’s driving me CRAZY. I’m not going to run my press with the belt motor until this is solved (obviously) to keep from ruining her permanently. I’ve ruled out the main shaft because it is literally full of oil at all times, and I can’t find any metal shavings. I took off a Kluge feeder before I started using this press and I’m just hoping that I didn’t miss anything. The search for the mysterious grinding noise continues…
Bingo…. if ANY oil point is full of oil at all times,,,, that means it is not going into the bearing surface. get an air gun with the rubber “Pencil Point” type tip. measure the diameter of the opening of your oil hole. (This procedure can be used on almost all oil points with correct size stopper for each one, the gun tip will handle most). The local hardware store, or science supply shop, or,,,, online… get hold of some “Rubber stoppers” of correct size. these are usually black. i drill a hole down through the middle of them to just accept the tip of the air gun. this does not have to be a clear hole. the air will find its way.
Use the stopper to plug the oil point, then, insert air gun into the drilled hole in stopper. put air into this now sealed area SLOWLY. watch for oil oozing out of bushing area. If it is dark, black, “metal flake paint” look to it, this is a big problem, and you have found it.
It may help some to turn the press backwards. backwards often will help “round off” the jagged surfaces of the damaged bushing race. A mix of “marvel mystery oil” and WD-40 will flow through tight binding spots easier than full weight oil.
You want to “power flush” this bushing extensively. Flush until it flows out on its own, due to gravity. Once the oil is flowing, and you have moved up to full weight oil, you should be able to run the press. oil it as often as you can. you cannot oil this press too much. keep excess oil out of the air pump down under press. Once running, just run the press briefly. 15-30 seconds at a time. Using the back of your hand, and fingers, feel around bushing areas for ANY change in metal temp. the back side of your hand is much more sensitive to heat changes. any warmth means friction. There may be some, it is important to notice just how warm it gets, and if it gets any better. IE; running cooler over time.
This may take a long time, so put down a lot of oil absorbent under this area of press. day old, (free) news papers, still folded, works okay. corrugated box cut to sheets works, anything that will absorb. If there is space, a disposable aluminum baking pan, works good, it can be bent easily to fit.
Over time, the problem area, should run cooler, quieter, and the oil coming out cleaner. Your press is now on the road to recovery.