Consider this a sanity check with a consensus on the fix.
I am sprucing up an old Summit branded Simplon UN Horizontal/Vertical mill.
When I started the paint job, I was not aware of any leaks in the main gear sump. However, after the first coat of primer, I noticed one corner of the gearbox had just enough oil seeping to keep the paint from drying. I promptly drained the gearbox (was going to replace oil anyway), wiped the area the best I could, and applied the two topcoats.
First thought was to remove the plate and use gasket maker to reseal. I pulled the speed adjustment knob and dial and realized that I could be opening pandora's box if I pull that cover. Especially for a leak that has to be extremely minor (the headstock has been full of oil for 6 months with no noticeable change in oil level). Anyone know how these are put together? Is the cover easier to remove than I am anticipating?
Also, I am not actually sure that the cover gasket itself is leaking, or simply oil is seeping by the threads on the cap screw. (the screw countersink had the most oil collected).
So I pulled the screw, and sure enough, it appears they drilled and tapped it all the way into the gearbox chamber.
Just in case it was the seal, I added a little extra paint to the joint in hopes that if it is leaking there, the paint may catch it. (wishful thinking) Second, I would like to seal the screw in case oil is simply leaking around the threads/countersink.
First thought was rectorseal 9 pipe dope. Second thought was to dip the screw threads in Ultra Grey RTV. Any thoughts on a right way to fix this? I'd play the guess and check game, but once I dump the 2.5 gallons of fresh oil in this, I"d rather not redrain for a repair.
I am sprucing up an old Summit branded Simplon UN Horizontal/Vertical mill.
When I started the paint job, I was not aware of any leaks in the main gear sump. However, after the first coat of primer, I noticed one corner of the gearbox had just enough oil seeping to keep the paint from drying. I promptly drained the gearbox (was going to replace oil anyway), wiped the area the best I could, and applied the two topcoats.
First thought was to remove the plate and use gasket maker to reseal. I pulled the speed adjustment knob and dial and realized that I could be opening pandora's box if I pull that cover. Especially for a leak that has to be extremely minor (the headstock has been full of oil for 6 months with no noticeable change in oil level). Anyone know how these are put together? Is the cover easier to remove than I am anticipating?
Also, I am not actually sure that the cover gasket itself is leaking, or simply oil is seeping by the threads on the cap screw. (the screw countersink had the most oil collected).
So I pulled the screw, and sure enough, it appears they drilled and tapped it all the way into the gearbox chamber.
Just in case it was the seal, I added a little extra paint to the joint in hopes that if it is leaking there, the paint may catch it. (wishful thinking) Second, I would like to seal the screw in case oil is simply leaking around the threads/countersink.
First thought was rectorseal 9 pipe dope. Second thought was to dip the screw threads in Ultra Grey RTV. Any thoughts on a right way to fix this? I'd play the guess and check game, but once I dump the 2.5 gallons of fresh oil in this, I"d rather not redrain for a repair.