Lubrication and Inspection of HVAC Machinery

To ensure that your HVAC Machinery systems are kept in correct operating condition, they must be inspected and maintained on a regular basis. Proper cleaning and/or replacement of filters, periodic lubrication of bearings, bushings, chains, and other moving friction- and wear-generating points will prevent damage or failure and provide optimum performance. Your maintenance technician must become familiar with all the lubrication points located throughout the line.

Chain drives, dies, hand wheels, movable metal-to-metal contact surfaces, rack and pinion locations, and rollers must be adequately lubricated. Certain parts of the machine are left unpainted to aid in the movement of the slide assembly when changing dies, etc. Keep these areas clean and coated with a light grease. 

Thorough visual inspection of components and systems should also occur during lubrication procedures. Check the equipment for loose fasteners, parts out of adjustment, or other deficiencies. It's recommended to correct all problems when discovered and still small, before they become operational problems.

HVAC Machinery Visual Inspection Guidelines

As a general rule of thumb, the machine should be visually inspected daily. Perform periodic inspections of all electrical, pneumatic and mechanical systems to ensure proper operation.

You should ensure that proximity sensor heads are kept clean and free of lubricant. Dirty sensor heads will affect system operation. Consult with the machine operator regarding changes in the operating characteristics of the machine, unusual noises, or erratic operation, all of which might signal trouble.

Every 30 days, clean the area around each grease fitting. Using a low pressure grease gun, pump new lithium or synthetic-base general purpose grease (Texaco MARFAK multipurpose #2 or the equivalent) into the fittings.

Lubrication Guidelines for HVAC Machinery

Lubricant recommendations are based on an ambient temperature of 40°–100°F (4–38°C). When using a low-pressure grease gun, lubricate only to the point of grease beginning to emerge from the edges of the seals. Do not over lubricate chains. Chain drives should not be lubricated to the point that oil is thrown off during operation.

Below is a list of recommended types of lubricants used to maintain the processing line. The lubrication schedule that follows was developed as a general guide. However, the actual lubrication requirements for your line and for individual points will be determined by line setup, usage levels, and equipment environment, and may vary.

Recommended Lubricants

Lubrication Schedule