DISTRIBUTION: 01234567-6-x2x4xxxxxxx
MAINTENANCE BULLETIN: B22MB97002
January 17, 1997

SUBJECT: FLUSHING WATER SEALS

SUBJECT: FLUSHNG WATER SEALS


For many years (probably back to the beginning of MILNOR history), MILNOR has provided a flushing inlet and outlet for the water seals on grease packed bearing housings.

In the past, there has been varying direction from MILNOR on whether or not to use this flushing feature.

To our surprise, one customer has a number of 64042BTN machines running in a plant where the seals were flushed and re-lubricated every six months. These machines are now eight years old with no bearing failures reported.

This evidence suggests that the use of the flushing cavity is a benefit to the longevity of seals and bearings and ultimately can reduce the customer's costs for bearing housing replacements.

Due to this finding, we recommend that every machine with the seal flushing capability be flushed every six months with mineral spirits. This can be done with a "bulb pump" (p/n KZ5CP00I00) as you would find on an outboard motor gasoline tank. We recommend flushing until the mineral spirits is expelled clear (approximately two quarts) from the cavity between the first two water seals and the same amount into the cavity behind the second water seal.

CAUTION: DO NOT attempt to flush the rear or main bearing.
The cavity must be repacked with grease after the flushing procedure.
With regard to the amount of grease to inject into the cavity between water seals - the cavity must be completely packed, unlike a bearing cavity. After mineral spirits have been pushed through this cavity, the cavity must be packed until grease comes from the outlet tubing or relief.

In the event that a machine is equipped with a Alemite grease relief, please remove this relief while flushing the cavity and reinstall for the greasing procedure. This should prevent mineral spirits and contaminated grease from being pushed back into the shell under the first water seal.

If you have any questions, please consult MILNOR Tech Support, giving us a specific model machine.

As always, we appreciate your help and look forward to serving you in the future.


Best regards,
PELLERIN MILNOR CORPORATION

Gary L. Lazarre
Manager
Customer Service