Harrison L5 Norton Gearbox removal procedure?

[Mrolls]

Hi all,

Just a shot in the dark here - can anyone tell me the correct method to remove the Norton gearbox from the front of a 1958 Harrison L5?

Currently I believe I need to remove the changewheels, and quite possibly the lead screw and the feed shaft below it... does this necessitate removing the saddle and apron as well?

The reason I ask is, the lathe is whisper quiet even at nearly 2000rpm (tachometer on spindle) with a polestar 3 phase motor and VFD.... until I engage the lead screw and feed shaft. Then, the usual howl and ringing of the change gears starts up (something I am investigating separately - unless anyone has any tips to tighten up the lash on those gears and quiet the ringing they make?) as well as a nice grumble from the norton gearbox area. Inspecting from underneath, the cone of gears looks like its been bathed in grease by some previous owner and I want to strip it, clean it down and assemble it without all the chips stuck in there.

Many thanks in advance!
Matt

 

[mksj]

Many recommendations on the open change gear lubrication, I use a highly viscous clay based grease which is a high impact grease, it is extremely tacky and forms threads that stick to the gears when spinning. These types of grease seem to be only sold by the case or drum, but Fastenal sells the ZEP as individual cartridges. These are industrial greases for heavy loaders as opposed to lighter wheel bearings GL2 which will spin off quickly. The few lathes I have used this on has made the ringing go away. You should have something similar available in the UK. You want to protect the gears from any chips as they will stick. There are also some dry wax based lubricants with Teflon that may also work.

ZEP 14oz Tube Green Super Impact Heavy Duty Misty® Grease

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

https://www.zep.com/product/misty/super-impact-grease#

Wurth SIG 3000 spline grease, 14oz tube

SIG3000 - $26.03 - Wurth SIG 3000 spline grease, 14oz tube [SIG3000] : MG Cycle, Moto Guzzi Parts and Accessories available online at MGCycle.com

MG Cycle SIG3000 - $26.03 - Wurth SIG 3000 spline grease, 14oz tube [SIG3000] - Wurth SIG 3000 spline grease, 14oz tube. High quality, extreme pressure/sling off resistant. Highly recommended for driveline spline applications.NOTE: Ground delivery only, no international or air shipment. This...

www.mgcycle.com

SIG 3000 Super Impact Grease 14 oz cartridge | Grease | Lubricants | Chemical Product | Wurth USA

SIG 3000 Super Impact Grease - 14 oz cartridge Description 14 oz. Tube This product is a multi-purpose grease fortified with special additives enabling it to withstand the heavy impact and pounding pressures common to heavy equipment. Our special additive package allows the grease to stay in...

www.wurthusa.com

 

[Mrolls]

Thanks for the quick recommendations on the greases! Unfortunately for me, both the ZEP Misty Grease and the WURTH SIG3000 are unavailable in the UK.

However, I won't despair as we have heavy machinery that will need grease of these types - I just have to find it and hope someone sells quantities for a home workshop!

 

[Mrolls]

Quick update - called WURTH UK and they confirmed they have absolutely no idea what it is. Called WURTH USA and quoting the article number on the link you sent, they managed to find someone technically senior enough to tell me what is in this grease. Apparently it's a Bentone Clay Grease, for anyone else reading this asking similar questions.

I have contacted Chemodex, and Brit-Lube and another specialist heavy grease supplier to get their specs for thickness and adhesion.

MOLY BENTONE 3 GREASE | Chemodex | Lubricants & Chemical Suppliers
Brit-Lube Bentone M High Temperature Grease 400g -30C to +270C Simply Bearings Ltd
https://www.midlandslubricants.co.u...industrial-machine/bentone-industrial-grease/

Still not certain of the gearbox removal method though.