Oil Drive Disks

The RA and DEC steel drive disks should be coated with a light machine oil (spindle oil) about once a year. We use french horn valve oil. To do this:

1. Remove the drive disk covers

   First slew the telescope to the east limit.

   1. Right Ascension

      Remove the sixteen flat head screws directly above the seam where the cover mates with the telescope mount. Note where screws come from. The four long screws go in the outside holes. The four medium length screws go in the inside holes; they also hold the rubber gasket in place. The eight short screws go in the middle holes.

      Lift off the cover and set it on the floor.

   2. Declination

      Remove the eight flat head screws in the outside holes.

      Remove the ten 4-40 cap screws in the side of the cover.

      Remove the two cap screws in the "L" brackets near the axle.

      Lift off the cover and set it on the floor.

2. Inspect for dirt and corrosion
3. Clean if necessary using a oiled Kimwipe.
4. Wipe a thin coating of oil on the disk with your finger. The oil is to prevent rust, not to lubricate.
5. You'll need to move the telescope to cover the entire disk, returning to the east limit for the next step.
6. Replace the right ascension and declination covers. Be sure that the rubber seals are not pinched.

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