immediately after they have been cleaned and washed.

If they are to be

stored before remounting, coat them with clean high grade oil or petroleum and wrap in clean, oil-proof paper.
Petroleum solvents are inflammable and must be used with caution
because of the fire hazard involved.

Carbon tetrachloride or similar

solvents are sometimes used because they are non-inflammable, but their
use is discouraged in cleaning bearings because they leave the bearing
surfaces bone dry and subject to rust.

Compressed air is sometimes used

to blow out bearings, but it is not recommended unless the air is free
from dirt and moisture.

If used, the bearings must be held so as to

prevent spinning which may cause scoring of the bearing surfaces by dirt.
The ball bearings of horizontal machines only may, if desired, be
cleaned without disassembling the motor, by the following method:
Remove the filler and drain plugs and free the holes of any hardened

grease.

Flush a light oil heated to about 190°F through the housing

while slowly rotating the shaft.

Repeat until the oil comes out clean

indicating that most of the old grease has been removed.

In cases where

the grease has become body oxidized, a preliminary flushing with a hot
aqueous emulsion may be required, followed, if necessary, by flushing
with a mixture of alcohol and light mineral solvent.
should always be with hot light oil.

The final flushing

Relubricate in accordance with the

recommendation given in the instructions for lubrication of ball bearings.

BEARING WEAR
A ball bearing is subject to negligible friction wear unless the
lubricant becomes contaminated with abrasive material.

Thus, if properly

lubricated, a ball bearing will not wear gradually, and air-gap measurements are unnecessary.

If ball bearings fail, they will do so ina

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