Cleaning Lubrication Lines Internal to the Machine

Many times it is necessary to clean lubrication lines internal to the machine tool. Over a period of time, the lubrication lines on a machine tool become internally 'gummed up' with oil solids and dirt. Exterior lines may be simply replaced, however, some lines are 'buried' so deeply inside the machine that it is impractical to attempt replacement. By using a standard grease gun and a few special adapter fittings, it is possible to use relatively high pressures to clean the lines. The adapter part numbers for cleaning Bijur systems are:

These are adapters to allow connections to be made between standard 1/8-27 pipe threads as found on a standard grease gun and the 5/16-24 Bijur fitting size. There are both male and female connectors listed and a variety of styles to permit several types of connections to be made.

The Bijur lubrication tubing should be disconnected from all other fittings and Bijur 'Meters' (some of which have internal check valves). The appropriate adapter fitting should be connected to the plugged lubrication line and to a standard grease gun. The grease gun should be filled with solvent.

Be extremely careful NOT to over pressurize the line! You may cause the line to burst inside the machine, which could involve considerable disassembly for line replacement. Almost any line can be unplugged if you simply allow the line to remain pressurized for a period of time with moderately high pressure.

When all lines have been unplugged and cleaned with solvent, use the same grease gun filled with way oil to purge the solvent from the lines.

Don't forget to inspect the Bijur meters and replace any that are plugged.