FILENAMES: steptoe_lube_1.jpg steptoe_lube_2.jpg steptoe_lube_3.jpg steptoe_lube_4.jpg steptoe_lube_5.jpg steptoe_lube_6.jpg steptoe_lube_7.jpg steptoe_lube_8.jpg steptoe_lube_9.jpg steptoe_lube_system_1.jpg steptoe_lube_system_3.jpg steptoe_lube_system_4.jpg DESCRIPTION: These are pictures of the oiling system on a shaper. Posted by Matt Isserstedt . The following description was provided: ================================================================= Here are some photos of my 12" Steptoe-Western shaper's lubrication system. My goal was to do a little maintenance on this machine, such as changing the oil and determining why the ramways weren't getting the proper amount of lube in my opinion. steptoe_lube_1.jpg This is a shot of the new filter compared to the old oil filter. I ordered from Filter Mart in Cookville, TN, phone 800.487.7493. I used new part # FM-01-0861. It is 4" dia, 5" tall, with a ¾" hole thru the ID. The new filter came with a complete set of new gaskets, a pleasant surprise. steptoe_lube_2.jpg This is one of 4 identical oil lines/passages going to the ramway. steptoe_lube_3.jpg These are the missing part. Wool plugs inserted under the brass pipe elbow was restricting the flow and filled with nasty black oil and what I assume is very fine grit! I took them all out with the intention to replace with a smaller quantity for less restriction. steptoe_lube_4.jpg This is a bronze or brass oil distribution block inside the column. The large ¼" pipe is oil coming from the oil filter output. The pipe work is beautiful IMO, typical of the fine attention to detail throughout the shaper. steptoe_lube_5.jpg This view is the inside of the ramway just opposite the lube line mentioned above. There was little or no oil flow. steptoe_lube_6.jpg Here is the tremendous oil flow after the dirty wool pellets were removed. Great lube, but I think more than what is needed. I'd like to split the difference with some clean wool in slightly less thickness. steptoe_lube_7.jpg Same as #6. steptoe_lube_8.jpg This is a view down into the column, showing the bronze distribution block. The pipe elbow opposite it is the return to sump line. It just pours out oil pressure which is unneeded. The system is regulated to around 3 psi. steptoe_lube_9.jpg This is the black goo I was getting on the ram, typical of dirt/grit found in the wool plugs and I suspect in the front wiper…but I haven't torn that down yet. steptoe_lube_system_1.jpg This is the initial filter teardown. The housing was approx 1/5 filled with water in the bottom of the "can", and the filter looks very dirty. steptoe_lube_system_3.jpg Here is white crud I poured out of the "can". I suspect this is the result of prolonged exposure between oil and water in the filter housing. However, I feel good that the filter is doing its job. steptoe_lube_system_4.jpg Here is a closeup of the filter. Very difficult to replace, although clearly marked with Replace P-48. I got lucky and found the Filter-Mart for the cartridge filter. Matt Isserstedt 17 Jan 2003 matt.isserstedt@gm.com