FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Clogged grease fitting

dieselpig | Posted in General Discussion on September 6, 2005 05:36am

Any suggestions on fixing a clogged grease fitting?  I was lubing the machine today and came across one that wouldn’t take grease at all.  I unscrewed the nipple and hooked it up to the gun and blew grease through it, no problem.  So the ‘clog’ is after the nipple.

Any ideas?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    PeterJ | Sep 06, 2005 05:52am | #1

    Compressed air and stand to the side while blowing?

    Needle..stab around and see if you can dig out the crud?

    Is it possible that there's not room for more grease and you're pushing on seals? More pressure could be bad news.

    Hmmm, more questions than answers there, diesel.

     

     

    PJ

    Everything will be okay in the end.  If it's not okay, it's not the end. 

    1. User avater
      dieselpig | Sep 06, 2005 05:56am | #2

      Thanks peter, but I don't think compressed air will make it in there.... could be worth a shot though.  Needle.. maybe.  On this fitting, you get squeeze out when it's full, so I'm not working against any seals.

      Hmmmmm.  This has gotta be a fairly common problem.

  2. jako17 | Sep 06, 2005 06:01am | #3

    Try removing  any load or swivel the parts and try the gun again 

    1. User avater
      dieselpig | Sep 06, 2005 06:06am | #4

      Tried both Jako, but thanks.  Put the boom on blocks and tried, and then worked the boom up and down and up and down and then tried with the boom up in the air.  Got a stubborn one.

      I'd hate  to call Cat service for something like this.  $75/hr travel time and about $100/hr for actual service, 2 hr minimum IIRC.

      1. User avater
        dieselpig | Sep 06, 2005 06:12am | #5

        Just found this:

         

        http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&langId=-1&productId=200130974&R=200130974&issearch=403100

        Anyone ever try one or know if they're any good?  $47 stings a bit, but it's still cheaper than service for sure.

        1. User avater
          PeterJ | Sep 06, 2005 06:28am | #8

          Never used one, but looks like a clever idea.

          On the compressed air, I was thinking screw fitting out, tapered rubber tip on blowgun, hold tight into hole and give a small shot. 100 psi may do it, may not. 

          View Image

          Ah heck,  if that tool works like it says, ya need one anyway!PJ

          Everything will be okay in the end.  If it's not okay, it's not the end. 

        2. User avater
          BossHog | Sep 06, 2005 02:04pm | #12

          The cleaner at northern tool will work if it's only plugged up with dirt. If it has metal shaving in it for some reason it won't do anything. Can you change it, as IMERC suggested? I think the fittings are less than a buck each.
          I don't see how an article of clothing can be indecent. A person, yes. [Robert Heinlein]

          1. User avater
            dieselpig | Sep 06, 2005 07:47pm | #14

            Truthfully Boss.... I don't know how!  This is the first machine I've ever owned.  Is it very involved?  I guess it depends on the location and the machine, huh?  Maybe I can take a picture this afternoon.

            Right now I'm supposed to be helping the guys pour concrete, but I ran in to the office to call a sand and gravel yard.  Couldn't help but check in to BT while I was at it, ya know?  Nothing beats working on your own house!!

          2. User avater
            BossHog | Sep 06, 2005 08:27pm | #15

            If you get a close look at the fitting, it probably has a 3/8" hex head under it. You simply unscrew it and put another one back in it's place. Any farm equipment dealer should carry them. Don't know about auto supply stores.
            Bumpersticker: My kid had sex with your honor student.

          3. junkhound | Sep 06, 2005 10:12pm | #16

            e-mail me your address and I'll throw an assortment of fittings in the mail to you (no charge).

          4. User avater
            dieselpig | Sep 06, 2005 11:29pm | #17

            Wow!  That's awful generous of you.  Thanks... let me know what I owe you for postage at the least.

          5. junkhound | Sep 07, 2005 01:41am | #20

            Can afford generosity easily when it is only 37 cents <G> (got a box of 200 fittings at a garage sale last year).  Will send just zerx fittings, as the mushroom ones are only one piece and if you blew grease thru that it is OK.  I lost 'track' of what machine you have, can you refresh my memory?

            Sending the 2 piece type Boss Hog refered to:

            1/4" straight, a spare

            3/8" 90 degree base, has a 1/4" straight screwed into that

            3/8" 45 degree base, has a 1/4" in that also.

            Will put it in the mail tomorrow AM, simply a letter.

             

             

          6. User avater
            dieselpig | Sep 07, 2005 01:52am | #21

            My machine is a Caterpillar TH-360B telehandler.  Thanks again.

          7. MrBill | Sep 07, 2005 02:27am | #22

            DP,

             We had a couple of hydraulic cylinder ends off a JD Tractor in the shop the other day. They had the same problem and would not accept any grease. We ended up pushing the bushings out and found that the groove around the outside of the bushing, where the grease goes through, had rusted up solid, probably due to lack of maintenance. I dont know if yours is a similar setup, but new bushings and cleaning everything very good took care of that one.

            Hope this helps,Bill Koustenis

            Advanced Automotive Machine

            Waldorf Md

          8. User avater
            IMERC | Sep 07, 2005 08:25am | #24

            the fitting has antwhere's from a 5/16 to a 5/8 nut  built on it... box wrench should do it.. 6 point socket is better...

            The fitting is called a Zerk Fitting... if it's threaded it's NPT and not machine... compression is till wrench removal...

            thighten the fitting a fuzz before you start the removal process.. life will be easier...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

            Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

      2. Catskinner | Sep 06, 2005 06:37am | #9

        Diesel, I just read your reply to Jako. It sounds like this might not be an easy pin to get to.Another longshot, but it has worked for me: I have an electric grease gun that runs at about twice the pressure of a standard hand-pump type gun. It will lube fittings that don't take grease very well from a regular grease gun.It's also a convenience when you're using 3 or 4 tubes of grease a day.

  3. 4Lorn1 | Sep 06, 2005 06:20am | #6

    If the nipple you removed is just the tip of the larger grease fitting you should be able to install a new fitting. Most are standard units. If the clog is not in the fitting the way we normally worked it was to remove the fitting and spray or inject mineral spirits and suck or blow this out with a hand operated vacuum pump or compressed air to disolve the hardened grease and remove the plug. The compressed air usually makes a mess so the pump is better.

    On large units a mechanics syringe, a steel syringe that holds a about a quart, can be used to pump in the solvent and remove the dregs after installing a piece of fuel line on the end. These units are great for sucking out oil and grease. You can clear a differential without dropping the pan.

    Add a little solvent agitate with a piece of wire and suck it out. Repeat as necessary. Once you have it clear install the new nipple and pump in grease until the solvent thinned grease is expelled from other end. Keep going until good clean unthinned grease emerges.

    There is a device which is designed to inject solvent into a grease fitting to free it up. A bit larger than a pen you draw up the solvent, fit it to the nipple and whack it with a hammer. Never used one.

    On the other hand, as has been pointed out, perhaps the unit is full.

  4. Catskinner | Sep 06, 2005 06:28am | #7

    If it's on a part that's easy to get to (like a bucket pin or ripper linkage) I'd take it apart and inspect the pin. I've had pins get covered in a hard black coating that looks like the stuff that forms on exhaust valve stems. Once this stuff builds up sometimes that particular part won't take grease even though the zerk is good.

    I've had it happen on ripper linkage and bucket pins, never on boom linkage. I suppose it's mostly the parts that take the worst impact.

    I start with #240 and work through the grades up to #600 intil the pin and bushing are clean, lubricating the paper with penetrating oil. I reassemble the pin with assembly lube and whatever is the right grease for that machine.

  5. User avater
    IMERC | Sep 06, 2005 07:58am | #10

    change it... they're cheap...

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!

    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  6. PhillGiles | Sep 06, 2005 08:29am | #11

    Usually the first thing you do is replace the zurk - I always prefered the mushroom type because of the positive attachment and I'm guessing you already know about wiping the fitting off with a varsol rag before you use it. Sometimes you get lucky and clean off the other end (i.e. where the spent grease comes out, usually from under a boot) with a steam jenny

    In my limited experience, these problems were most often a failure of the fitting; more specifically, the spring-loaded check-ball. If that didn't solve the problem, we were left trying to decide if we could finese a fix or just bite the bullet from the start and start tearing down the unit.

    .
    Phill Giles
    The Unionville Woodwright
    Unionville, Ontario
  7. DanH | Sep 06, 2005 05:41pm | #13

    The few times I've been faced with this I just put all my strength into the hand grease gun and forced things open. I'd guess the hand grease gun can produce 500psi or better, more than you'll get from an air hose, and probably more than you'll get from most air-powered guns.

  8. DanH | Sep 06, 2005 11:58pm | #18

    One thing to double-check. Someone may have inserted a long-shank nipple into a threaded opening that is fairly shallow, such that when the nipple is tightened all the way, the back of the nipple is pressing on the shaft or whatever and no grease can go through.

    Try loosening the nipple a half turn and then greasing. If that works, put a lock washer under the nipple, or get a nipple with a shorter shank.

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Sep 07, 2005 12:42am | #19

      Is that the same as a pencil eraser nipple?  Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

  9. MrBlister | Sep 07, 2005 02:37am | #23

    Ahoy DP,

    As you are mightily pumping grease into the fitting, have a accomplice tap the assemply with a ball peen hammer. Let yor conscience determine how hard to whack it with the persuader. Often that tapping will free up the obstruction.  Used to work for me on some fittings on a ancient New Holland Hay Baler I was cursed with.

    Cheers,

    Mr Blister,

    On Beautiful Georgian Bay, Ontario

     

  10. Vincent | Aug 24, 2022 06:07pm | #25

    G.I.S. is an insulation and fabrication supply warehouse that can secure and keep our customer base. G.I.S. strives to set and maintain the most competent level of customer service.
    Grease duct wrap

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Simple and Discreet Countertop Power

A new code-compliant, spill-safe outlet from Legrand offers a sleek solution for a kitchen island plug.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data