Unintended Consequences You Can Face During An Oil Change

January 6, 2022

Unintended Consequences You Can Face During An Oil Change

Lubrication plays an important part in ensuring the good health of your industrial machines. Most machines in industries run either 24/7 or for a minimum of 12 hours a day. Read this blog: Consequences of Oil Change.

Without proper lubrication, these machines are susceptible to wear and tear. As a result, they can go into premature failure and require costly repairs.

An easy way to avoid all these issues is by regularly changing the lubricant and having a good lubrication filtration system in place. However, at this point, it is imperative to understand that the technician handling machine lubrication and lubrication filtration should be experienced enough to deal with unintended consequences.

Although oil changes and lubrication filtration may seem like a mundane and easy task, it comes with a fair share of problems and issues. There are a few unintended consequences of the process that most technicians have to deal with.

In this blog, we have listed some of the common problems that technicians might face while changing the lubricant. We have also stated the solutions.

Also Read: Common Industrial Lubrication Problems And Their Solutions

Lubricant Changing Color As Soon As It Goes Into The System

This is a common issue that many new lubrication technicians are taken aback by. Of course, the thought of wasting new and expensive lubricant is appalling for many technicians.

However, instead of being intimidated by the situation, it is better to understand the underlying cause. In most cases, it is either a dirty filter or a contaminant in the system.

Both these issues are easy to solve and handle. After changing the filter and flushing it with chemicals, pass the lubricant through the filter. After this, drain the system and clean the machine to get rid of any contaminants that might be causing the problem.

Moreover, it is better to send the old filter for lab analysis in order to identify the composition of the debris. This way, you will also understand the origin of the contaminants.

Contaminants, if not taken care of, can cause severe damage to different parts of the machine. Hence, it is important to prevent debris and other contaminants from entering the machine.

Moisture Contamination

Moisture contamination is another common issue that many technicians have to face. This type of contamination, if left untreated, can greatly affect the functionality of a machine. It is a silent killer that leads to erosion and corrosion inside the equipment.

Many new technicians don’t know what to do when they see moisture contamination in their lubricant. However, most lubrication filtration systems can cater to moisture and have been designed to tackle a certain amount of water.

Nevertheless, it is important to understand that if the amount of moisture in the lubricant exceeds the limit, the oil filter will be rendered useless.

High-Pressure Injection

Oil is injected into the system using pressurized grease guns. However, the pressure has to be set according to the machine. Sometimes, if the technician sets the pressure too high, the lubricant can make its way to other parts of the machine as well.

Where lubrication is an important part of any industrial machine, it is not required in some segments. If a lubricant makes its way to these areas, it will only hinder the machine’s operability and affect its functionality.

If something of the sort happens to you, it is best to clean the area properly and flush it with chemicals to remove any traces of lubricant in those parts of the machine.

Conclusion

Adding new lubricant to a machine is an easy task. However, it has to be done with care and the technician has to be vigilant. There are risks of contamination during an oil replacement. For this, the technician has to be vigilant to any visible signs of lubricant contamination.

FAQs

  • What are the risks of using the wrong oil during an oil change?
    Using the wrong type or grade of oil can lead to inadequate lubrication, increased friction, overheating, and potential engine damage. It can also void warranties and reduce overall performance.
  • Can overfilling or underfilling the oil cause problems?
    Yes, overfilling can cause excessive pressure, leading to leaks, seal damage, or aeration of the oil. Underfilling can result in insufficient lubrication, causing premature wear and overheating of engine components.
  • What happens if the oil filter is not properly replaced during an oil change?
    An improperly installed or damaged oil filter can lead to oil leaks, reduced filtration efficiency, and unfiltered contaminants circulating in the engine, which can damage critical components.
  • Can missing or loose oil drain plugs cause issues after an oil change?
    Yes, failing to tighten the drain plug properly or leaving it out can cause oil leaks, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage. Always ensure the drain plug is securely tightened during an oil change.

About Harvard Filtration

Harvard Filtration offers what it takes to meet your industrial filtration needs. We offer a broad range of filtration systems. Harvard filtration systems and filter carts are the most trusted and dependable portable filtration systems.

Compatible with a broad assortment of petroleum-based and synthetic fluids, our filter carts can remove contaminants and water to a single micron, ensuring decreased hazardous waste disposal. Select our filters to experience your machine’s high performance. Contact us today here.

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