Jigsaw Leaking Out of Bearing

davem1066 · Post by **davem1066** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 11:20 pm

I recently purchased a 1984 Mark V with a Jigsaw Accessory. I added approx 2 ounces of recommended lightweight oil up to the recommended level. I ran it for a few minutes and notice the oil leaking right out of the bearing and shaft that connects to the SPT coupler.

Is there anyway to correct this or is my bearing shot?

The Jigsaw is purring like it is new...just dripping that oil out at a pretty good rate. My fear is if I continue I will burn it up.

Help? Suggestions?

billmayo · Post by **billmayo** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 3:25 am

Yes, if you continue to operate the Jig Saw with low or no oil, you will damage the drive shaft Assy. and bronze shaft bushings. There is an oil seal (502264 #74) in behind the outside bearing that has dried out and may need replacing. The sealed bearing is to prevent the shaft from horizontal movement. I will see if I can find a replacement oil seal later today. You need a bearing press to remove/install the outside bearing. I have disassemblied several broken jig saw housings for the parts and bushings but the oil seals were dried/worn out. I did saved the oil seals for later measurements.

The above oil seal part number is from a 1965 Bulletin #502301 and not available from Shopsmith.

There are cans/bottles of car engine/transmission sealers/solutions that expand dried out oil seals that you may want to try. Just read the label to see that seals are affected. I would use the lighter weight solutions. I would put 2 ounces of this solution in the housing and lay the jig saw with the drive hub down and see if it continues to leak over several days. I would actually operate the jig saw with these oil solutions to see if the oil seal continues to leak. I have not tried this on a jig saw but used them in car engines and transmissions in my younger years.

davem1066 wrote:I recently purchased a 1984 Mark V with a Jigsaw Accessory. I added approx 2 ounces of recommended lightweight oil up to the recommended level. I ran it for a few minutes and notice the oil leaking right out of the bearing and shaft that connects to the SPT coupler.

Is there anyway to correct this or is my bearing shot?

The Jigsaw is purring like it is new...just dripping that oil out at a pretty good rate. My fear is if I continue I will burn it up.

Help? Suggestions?

rcoder · Post by **rcoder** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 8:27 am

Bill,

I use transmission oil as you do but I did one more thing. There is a small hole for air relief on the front. Using a fine wire I often make sure it is clear of crud. This keeps air pressure from building inside on the down stroke. It may not be much but does keep oil from being forced out through the seals. Not 100% but manageable with a rag wipe.

Bob Coder

davem1066 · Post by **davem1066** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 11:29 am

Thanks Bill and Bob for your suggestions.

Where exactly is this small air hole?

rcoder · Post by **rcoder** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 11:44 am

Not easily found. It is on the side opposite the support arm. A hand lens might help. It does not go directly into the casting but takes an indirect route. Nearly all compressors, lawn mowers etc have such a means of keeping internal pressures equalized to atmospheric pressure.

Bob

perryobear · Post by **perryobear** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 7:26 pm

Hi,

The vent hole is small. Here is a photo of the area. I hope this helps.

[ATTACH]2217[/ATTACH]

Regards to all,

Dennis

davem1066 · Post by **davem1066** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 7:36 pm

Excellent....thanks for the photo! I'll try to clear it out and see what happens.

Dave

davem1066 · Post by **davem1066** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 8:16 pm

I cleared the hole...no change. Looks like the seal is shot...i may try the stop-leak stuff.

Dave

davem1066 · Post by **davem1066** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 9:32 pm

I removed the jig saw and laid it on it's side, looks like the seal is REALLY shot as the remainder of the new oil I added is pretty much leaked out.

Where can I get this repaired as I assume if it is leaking this bad the stop-leak stuff will not do the job?

I also do not have the tools to pull the bearing.

Dave

davem1066 · Post by **davem1066** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 8:02 am

I live in Northern Virginia if someone is close by and has the ability/interest, please contact me via PM and maybe we can link up.

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