How to lube the VPI Scoutmaster motor?

[Ramarge3653]

Hi,

I am trying to get specifics about where to apply the oil the VPI motor. Can someone post exactly where to add the drop of oil? Do I need to take apart the motor or just add the drop on the shaft underneath the pulley? Also, is it the 40W or 10W-40 or someone weight of oil for the Scoutmaster?

I'm planning on adding a small amount of white lithium grease to the bearing as well, this sounds easy enough, just take off the plater and grease the center rod that the platter rests on.

Any guidance is appreciated, Thanks in advance!

[ctbarker32]

I recently went through this and it was initially not quite clear for me with regards to the motor. After further thought and research, what you want to lubricate is the spindle bushing of the motor. Unfortunately, there is very little space between the top of the bushing and the bottom of the pulley assembly so getting a drop of oil into this space is not obvious. I soon became acquainted with needle nose oil bottles available on Amazon, etc. that have sufficiently small size to allow you to get right up to the motor spindle and deposit a single drop of oil to soak into the motor bushing. It would be great if VPI would make this clear but they choose not to?

Greasing the platter bearing is much more straight forward. Just pick up some white lithium grease from your local hardware store and with the platter removed place a small dollup on top of the bearing and then replace the platter. As with many things, less is more so err on the side of too little and things will go well.

-CB

[Ramarge3653]

Thanks for the reply.

I have a really small bottle with a neelde nose that I can use to deposit the oil, I think it should be easy enough if I turn the motor upside down.... What weight of oil did you use?

[brf]

Go to your local doctor/health clinic and get a hypodermic needle, fill it with a high grade light oil (sewing machine oil works well) and use the needle to strategically place it at the base of the pulley shaft.

[Ramarge3653]

I live in Korea and I have found white lithium grease spray, however nobody has the actual grease in stock. I really don't want to order the grease online, does anyone know if the spray is ok to use?

Also what weight of oil should I use? The manual says 40 weight so I'm assuming it means SAE 40 not some 5W-40 or 10W-40. Can someone clarify if I am correct about the SAE 40, becuase much like the white lithium grease, it is impossible to find straight SAE 40 in Korea.

Any info is greatly appreciated!

[brf]

SAE 40 and 10W-40 are the same. The "10W" is the viscosity rating in winter (start-up) conditions. The second number 40 is the viscosity rating at normal operating temps. SAE 40 motor oil is okay for spindle bearing applications, but I would use a higher grade and lighter oil for lubricating the motor shaft. Look for sewing machine oil or similar.

[Ramarge3653]

I was able to find the sewing machine oil. All is good now. Thanks for the information!