LOCOMOTIVE DEPARTMENT
MUTUAL
IMPROVEMENT CLASS
LUBRICATION
HINTS AND GOOD PRACTICES.
- Ensure that you
select and use correct type of oil for oiling up loco. Cylinder oil;
correct type for saturated or superheated loco. Lubrication oil; correct
type identified in oil store.
- Keep oil cans and containers clean and free from dirt and grit etc.
- Know where all the lubrication points are for each particular loco. Check
any special notices / instructions for lubrication. If in doubt ask.
- Be methodical in your oiling up. Work round oiling up the loco with a definite
plan to avoid missing any points. Be absolutely
clear
on what oiling up you have delegated to others. You are responsible,
so check that all oiling up has been completed properly.
- Ensure that you take all safety precautions prior to commencing
oiling up. ie; "Not to be Moved" board is placed on the loco,
wheels chocked and
you have informed others that you are entering the motion to oil up.
- Work
in a clean manner when oiling up; mop up oil spills. This helps
keep the motion cleaner and reduces slipping hazards.
- Endeavour to
oil up at a time reasonably near to "going off shed" This
will ensure that the oil is first used at the right time - when the engine is moving not running out of the bearings to waste.
-
Syphon out any accumulated water from the oil boxes. The main causes
are rain water and condensed vapour in oil boxes near piston and valve
glands. Ensure any trimmings disturbed are inserted in their syphon
tubes after.
- Ensure that each oil well takes its quantity of delivered oil. If not then
check the condition of trimming / syphon tube for blockage.
- Ensure corks and filler caps are securely replaced after oiling each point.
Note; corks screw in to the oil well body / cap nut. Unscrew corks to
oil up and screw in after oiling to secure. Ensure that the cork does
not screw down too far as it could press down on the syphon tube and
restrict the oil supply.
-
Whilst oiling up take the opportunity to examine the motion for signs
of loose parts, wear, fretting, damaged whitemetal,etc.
- Do not forget other moving parts;
Brake gear, spring links, couplings, valves in the cab, fire hole door slides
will all benefit from an application of oil.
- When filling up displacement lubricators ensure
that any steam pressure is released before opening / unscrewing the cap nut for filling.
Ensure condensate water is drained out.
- Operate mechanical lubricator handle several turns
to pump oil to bearings when first moving as loco. Do not over operate as the oil pressure
generated could burst the flexible oil pipes.
- When shunting locos out of steam, fill the cylinder
lubricators provided with oil and apply oil to piston rods and slidebars.
These parts are prone to drying out and the rust can cause much wear.
- When making replacement trimmings use the correct
grade of worsted wool and copper wire. Ensure that the new trimming is not too tight
in the syphon tube as this will prevent capillary action.
- When setting off ensure that your oil cans contain
sufficient oils for a contingency. eg for topping up lubricators as necessary during
the days working.
- Regularly check the lubrication during the course
of the day; Are bearings running warm? Are sliding surfaces oily or dry?
- Aim to minimise getting water and dust into the motion. Eg blowing down, dropping ash, hosing off footplates etc.
- Set up the Cylinder oil displacement lubricator
to feed a drop of oil through the sight glass once every 20 seconds approx. Increase feed
rate if the loco is priming.
- When using the powered oil gun feeder at Rolvenden
ensure that oil boxes with small fillers do not get choked giving
the impression that an oil box is full when it is not.
L.A.
Donaldson 29/01/94.
