Not taking grease,how to resolve?

[repete]

It has been my experience that if a zerk will not take grease it is usually because it has not been greased enough. Pull the pin, clean it and replace the zerk with a new one.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Join the ranks of us grease monkeys. Sooner or later we all have this problem. Best advice already given; pull apart and clean it up then replace the zerk and go back to work.

Ron

 

[Fallon]

I wondered how well these work in actual situations like this. They sell another brand I think I saw at TSC or RK called a grease rejuvenatior or something along those lines. Supposed to whack it with a hammer and it cleans things out. I run into these situations every once in a while and always wondered if those tools would be worth the money spent to alleviate the headache

Lock 'n lube is a better coupler for your grease gun. You can unlock it from the zerk with a lever. Not the whack it with a hammer to possibly loosen up the zerk or more likely break the zerk off tool. Mine was only $20 or so, rather than $40.

On a related note. You can loosen up or tighten the coupler on a normal grease gun. Tighten or loosen the end of the coupler by screwing or unscrewing it a bit. Makes it so you can get the coupler off of so it will stay latched. A Lock 'n Lube works better no matter how well the normal coupler is adjusted.

 

[davedj1]

All good advice, I will try moving the bucket before I pull the pin.
As I said, I did take the zerk out and can squirt grease through it when not hooked to anything but the grease gun (what a pain getting the zerk back out)...LOL
It's funny never growing up around equipment so it's all a learning experience for sure.
On the old Ford tractor I sold I replaced a few zerks with some new ones from TSC and within a week they started to show signs of rust. At the same time I bought the 4 way tool for removing, threading and installing zerks in two sizes which work well where you can use them.

 

[PILOON]

Often a slight tap on the zerk tip will dislodge the stuck little ball and allow grease to enter.

Another trick that often works is to heat the zerk tip with a plumber's torch.

Usual cause is dried and hardened grease, many greases are actually clay based which partially explains the hardening and clogging.

 

[davedj1]

Often a slight tap on the zerk tip will dislodge the stuck little ball and allow grease to enter.

Another trick that often works is to heat the zerk tip with a plumber's torch.

Usual cause is dried and hardened grease, many greases are actually clay based which partially explains the hardening and clogging.

You know, the grease around the zerks is almost waxy like, I was wondering what made it dry out and get harder/stiffer. This may be the reason.

Unfortunately I left the tractor out last night and it's pouring rain and I don't feel like getting soaked moving it around into the shop....I could tinker on it but I think I'll just take the day and R&R

 

[oosik]

I have one zerk on my grapple that will not take grease with the grapple in the "normal" resting position. The grease passage simply needs a different alignment. So...I fire up the tractor and open the grapple jaws - waa-laa - the zerk takes on grease easily.

 

[coolbrze]

If you want to buy a lifetime tool for quick/easy zerk clean out, you could get a "Grease Buster" from LockNLube Grease Coupler | End Greasing Frustration.
You do not need to remove the zerk.

I do not have one, but it looks like a great concept.
Cost is $42.95, but it should last a lifetime.

I am already 77, so "lifetime" is not long enough for me.

Dang good invention!

 

[Dadnatron]

I have been purchasing a lot of relatively 'old' and used equipment. And I've run into several zerks which won't take grease and would not be an easy clean out. Initially, I was replacing zerks, and more than 1/2 still wouldn't take grease, so I looked for alternatives.

I purchased one of these tools which has opened up every zerk I've had that was stuck.

You fill it with a light oil, fit it to the zerk, and tap on the handle. It forces tiny amounts of oil into the zerk at high pressures, softening and loosening the old grease. Some take longer than others, but for my money and time, its well worth it. When it opens up, I grease it heavily and work the movement as much as possible to see how the grease is moving around in the bearing or whatever.

Grease Zerk Fitting Cleaner

 

[YLee Kioti]

I have been purchasing a lot of relatively 'old' and used equipment. And I've run into several zerks which won't take grease and would not be an easy clean out. Initially, I was replacing zerks, and more than 1/2 still wouldn't take grease, so I looked for alternatives.

I purchased one of these tools which has opened up every zerk I've had that was stuck.

You fill it with a light oil, fit it to the zerk, and tap on the handle. It forces tiny amounts of oil into the zerk at high pressures, softening and loosening the old grease. Some take longer than others, but for my money and time, its well worth it. When it opens up, I grease it heavily and work the movement as much as possible to see how the grease is moving around in the bearing or whatever.

Grease Zerk Fitting Cleaner

Glad I read the whole thread was about to post same thing!

Like to add that the fluid of choice is Kroil. Love the smell, my few brain cells do not ...whew....buuuuut....
The Kroil cuts through what ever ails your particular item needing attention. Plus the Lock-n-Lube is a winning combo.


Would try this first before taking apart all joints needing lube, cause well I'm lazy.....heh..