450c idler and rollers oil level check/fill

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slabguy
420 crawler
420 crawler
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Joined: Mon Aug 19, 2019 12:56 pm
Location: West TN

450c idler and rollers oil level check/fill

Post by slabguy » Mon Sep 09, 2019 10:24 am

Maybe I'm not thinking about this right but what's up with the operator manual procedure for checking/adding oil to the idlers and rollers? Install grease fitting in fill plug, fill until it runs out of oil level hole, install oil level plug, remove grease fitting and install fill plug (summarized). Won't the oil just run out quickly as soon as you pull the grease fitting? Why not just put oil in through the level hole with a syringe or small tipped lever type oiler until it runs out of the fill hole? I haven't done any of these yet so maybe it would make more sense once I try it.

Jim B
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Re: 450c idler and rollers oil level check/fill

Post by Jim B » Mon Sep 09, 2019 4:32 pm

Yes the plug is above the grease fitting, but putting the plug in before removing the grease fitting makes a vacuum and only a little gear oil will drip out. If you pull the grease fitting out first the oil will run out as the open plug hole acts as a vent. Kind of like the difference between pouring fuel from a non-vented can or a vented one.

slabguy
420 crawler
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Joined: Mon Aug 19, 2019 12:56 pm
Location: West TN

Re: 450c idler and rollers oil level check/fill

Post by slabguy » Mon Sep 09, 2019 5:05 pm

That makes sense but wouldn’t it still be easier/quicker to just put oil in the level hole with something? Maybe the hole is too small for that.

Jim B
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Location: western Maine

Re: 450c idler and rollers oil level check/fill

Post by Jim B » Mon Sep 09, 2019 8:13 pm

The plug hole being higher makes a vent when the oil is pumped in. If you put oil in the plug hole you would need a probe, whether pumped or gravity fed, small enough to allow air to vent around the probe, and the oil going in might restrict the air coming out. That would lead to some oil pushing back out making it appear the proper level was achieved before the voids filled completely. I think it works well as designed so you can pump oil in, just my thoughts.

slabguy
420 crawler
420 crawler
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Joined: Mon Aug 19, 2019 12:56 pm
Location: West TN

Re: 450c idler and rollers oil level check/fill

Post by slabguy » Mon Sep 09, 2019 8:21 pm

That makes sense. I figured there was a reason for the procedure. Just couldn’t put my finger on it

bolt37
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Re: 450c idler and rollers oil level check/fill

Post by bolt37 » Sat Sep 14, 2019 8:26 pm

I was wondering EXACTLY same thing as I am getting set to do full lube on EVERYTHING on my "new " 450C

This was a curiosity I never saw anywhere before on all my crazy vehicles.

Now I understand.

Thanks guys!

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