CQ6230 Lathe - Gearbox Drain Plug Location

[Blu_Rock]

Hi, I recently upgraded to a 12"x36" CQ6230 lathe and was just about to change the gearbox oil but I cannot locate the drain plug.

Does anyone know if this model has a drain plug and if so where would it be located?

I have the manual but there is no mention of the drain.

Thanks in advance.

[Jekyll and Hyde]

Mines a bit newer (okay, a lot, it's a CQ6230a), but the drain plug on it is an 8mm allen key plug, located below and behind the main spindle pulley. Carefully placed in such a way that when you drain the oil it will inevitably all over the belts.

[RayG]

Hi Blu-Rock,

Did you find it yet?

I've got the same model (from what I can see in your picture) and it's a screw driver plug at the back of the spindle, on the front of the gearbox, just above the motor mounting. Make sure you have a big funnel and a bucket ready to catch the oil as it comes out. :)

Regards
Ray

[Blu_Rock]

Did you find it yet?

Thanks Ray and Jekyll and Hyde.

The drain is where you said it would be Ray. Thanks for both your replies, much appreciated.

I will flush out the old oil (smells like Hypoid SAE 90) with some kero and refill with ISO 68 as that is what many people seem to recommend for these machines.

Regards

Simon

[Michael G]

As a suggestion while the gear box is empty, could you enlarge the hole and mount an elbow in there (with a tube as well) so that the oil drains out in a more convenient place? A couple of spots on my lathe they've done that and it makes it so much easier to drain - no oil on belts for example.

Michael

[Blu_Rock]

Hi Michael

Thanks for the suggestion, sounds like a good idea.

[19brendan81]

"Carefully placed in such a way that when you drain the oil it will inevitably all over the belts."

LOL

The headstock drain on my lathe is similarly designed, and although I have no belts it sure makes a mess when draining oil. I think they assumed you would rotate the 650kg machine 90 degrees anti clockwise when drainning oil.