viceroy oil level/dowels

[bikerwookie]

I am hoping the experts on here have the answer to this one.

I have a viceroy 280vs metric 3 phase and see in the manual that the cavity containing the gears to the left of the headstock has an oil can symbol for topping up using the 19mm fill plug in the top under the control box.

What level should this be filled to?

Should the fill plug be vented as mine is?

I have 3 and 4 jaw chucks bot only one set of dowels that attach them to the headstock. Does anyone know of a source for these ort will I have to machine them

Can I say thanks to dazz, andy b and denford for all their valuable information on what is a fantastic lathe. Without this info many of these lathes would be moth balled.

Thanks in advance.

[Andy B]

Hi Bikerwookie (please tell us your real name too!)

I've never seen a level quoted for oil in the headstock. I did come across a capacity quoted on a drawing somewhere, but can't remember where now!
To add complication, some machines had an oil sump cast into the bed whilst others (including mine) had a fabricated sump, with a flange that was sandwiched between the headstock casting and the bed. I suspect the capacities were different.
Mine also has a small tube which comes out of the bottom of the fabicated sump, which then has an elbow and a further short length of tube with a screwed cap on the end. I've never been sure whether this is meant as a level indicator or a drain-out point! I initially filled mine higher than the level of this cap, but it has gradually leaked out, leaving only about 1 inch of oil in the bottom. This seems to be plenty, as the lower gears dip into this and keep a regular oil spray of oil around the inside of the headstock.
If you put too much in and don't have a very good seal between the headstock cover plate and headstock body, you'll soon see dribbles of oil running out of the joint when the lathe is running!

Vented plug? My headstock casting has a hole through the back where the speed sensor cable goes through - I think this is more than adequate for equalising pressure due to the headstock warming / cooling when in operation. My plug isn't vented.

Camlock pins for chucks - these come with lots of different threads, so check yours carefully before handing out cash!
Rotagrip are listing them with 7/16" UNF or M10 threads. Probably worth asking Rotagrip if you need something different, e.g. Whitworth.
MCS / J&L list M10 only.
RDG also list M10 only - a lot cheaper, (I've found their quality control isn't too hot on other products, although to be fair, they gave me a refund with no quibbles).

Hope this helps,
Andy

[Andy B]

Quite by chance, Admin has just posted a copy of the 280VS Headstock assembly drawing in response to another thread - oil capacity is quoted as being 1.3 pints / 0.7 litres.

Andy

[bikerwookie]

Thanks Andy

Does your tube exit behind the bed at the headstock end. I have what looks like an oil pipe with a stainless flap covering it. Always wondered what that was.
Looks like mine has been overfilled in the past - it always leaked so that was probably the cause. At least it wasn't dry.

Will try and get some dowels and will put the spec on this forum.

Mike

[bikerwookie]

Mine are 7/16 unf d3 camlocks so looks like it's the expensive option for me.

My pipe does indeed exit behind the bed at the rear - looks like that is where my oil leak has been from. A case of over filling. Just proped the cap open and let it drain overnight.

Thanks for the help.

Mike