Our mechanical lubricator is available in both single (ML4) and double (ML5) feed versions as well as right and left hand.  The above illustration is a right hand lubricator.   Normal locomotive installation would mount a right handed lubricator on the fireman’s side with oil discharge forward.   The case size is approximately 2 x 2 x 2”, made of brass.  Both lubricators use identical parts and are of the same size, the only difference being the single outlet on the ML4, which is in the center of the case.  All pawls, ratchet wheel, cams and rams are hardened steel.  The ram is packed with an o-ring, which is easily replaced if it should become worn.  This lubricator is designed for long hard use with large bearing surfaces and robust components.   Spare parts are available.   

The lubricator case base has four mounting holes in it for attachment to any suitable surface.  The lubricator can also be mounted to rails or brackets in the locomotive frame by removing the lid bolts, which are brass (4-40) and replacing them with steel.  The lubricator can be used to pump any oil from 10 wt up through light steam oils.  The pump discharge is through a union fitting suitable for silver brazing to 1/8 copper tubing.  Filling is through a 3/8 opening fill plug on the top of the case. 

The lubricator should be mounted on a sturdy surface, which will stand the forces delivered to the lubricator when in use.  The pressure stroke of the actuation arm should be set up in such a way that the link to the valve motion or other actuating device will be in tension during the pressure stroke.  It does take some force to turn the lubricator because it is generating pressure as well as working against the ram return springs. 

Also available is the CVL6, a small right angle check valve, threaded ¼-40 MTP for insertion into the steam line and set up for 1/8” copper tubing.  This valve allows the oil line to remain full after engine shut down thus allowing lubrication to begin as soon as the lubricator starts operation rather than having to refill the oil line.

Mechanical Lubricator Installation Notes

1)      Since the lubricator is designed for both stationary engine and locomotive use, some understanding of lubricator technology is necessary.   For this discussion it is assumed the oil discharge fittings are on the front of the lubricator with the lid and filling plug on top.  The lubricator is right handed if, when facing the front of the lubricator, the actuating lever is on the right hand side of the lubricator.   For stationary engine installation, the installer needs to have determined location of the drive source for the lubricator and locate accordingly.  Usually, attachment to some part of the valve gear works well.

2)  In locomotive installation, the installer will have to determine on which side of the locomotive the lubricator will be installed.  As with stationary engine installations, access to some component of the valve gear is necessary to supply power to operate the lubricator.  The installer then needs to determine routing of oil lines to the cylinders or steam lines.   Normal procedure is to have the oil fittings on the lubricator facing forward.  Thus, the front of the lubricator is forward.  In most model installations, the operating lever is to the outside of the locomotive for ease of maintenance and installation.   When sitting in the cab with the lubricator on the engineers side the operating lever of the lubricator would be to the right with the front of the lubricator toward the front of the locomotive.   In the same installation, standing in front of the locomotive, the lubricator oil fittings will be facing the viewer and the operating lever will be on the left side of the locomotive and the left side of the lubricator.  Thus, for mounting on the engineers side of the locomotive with oil fittings facing forward, a left hand lubricator is required.  For mounting on the fireman's side of the locomotive a right hand lubricator is required.