oilite bearings

[flyguy]

Can oilite bearings or other sintered and lubricated items be soaked in oil for a few days to "recharge" them?
If so, what is best oil to use?
Darryl

[Ray36048]

Re: oilite bearings

No, they need to put put into a vacuum camber in a container of oil. The vacuum pulls all the air out of the bearings, when the vacuum is removed the oil flows deep into the bearing.

[flyguy]

Re: oilite bearings

That is about what I figured. Knew some really smart experienced guy here would know the answer for sure. Can just see this little bearing with tiny bubbles coming out then screaming for air when the pressure comes back. But all it gets is oil, LOL
Thanks
DC

[Larry Lyons]

Re: oilite bearings

If you can a find a friendly lab they will have a vacuum of some sort. I have a drinking water lab and we have vacuum through out the lab, including one small oven with vacuum. If you think it is worth it I would be glad to do some for you. Used to do this with epoxy too. Heat the part, put in epoxy pool, pull a vacuum, watch the air come right out of the metal! Larry

[flyguy]

Re: oilite bearings

Thanks for the offer Larry, I may take you up on that for a couple of sintered cams, later, as they are old, but still in good condition.
I may be able to find someone with vacuum equipment around here. Just need to ask around some.
Darryl