DON’T LET THE PRESSURE GET TO YOU

Maintaining the correct oil pressure in your Kegel lane machine is important to keep consistent lane conditions. The correct pressure can also prevent damage to components inside your lane machine.

The first item to address when trying to get the oil pressure correct is to understand that the oil pump volume dial should not be used to increase or decrease pressure. While it is true that turning the dial will change the pressure, it will also change the pump output. Set the oil volume output before attempting to adjust the pressure.

Below is a link to a video showing the procedure to adjust the pump volume. This video is for a newer machine, the procedure is basically the same for older machines. If you have a legacy machine, the Kegel YouTube channel has separate videos for those machines. OIL PUMP CALIBRATION AND ADJUSTMENT

Kegel recommends that the pressure be in the 15-18 psi on older machines with pressure gauges that max out at 30-psi. Pressure of 20-25 psi should be the target for machines with a newer 60-psi max.  

 Please keep in mind that temperature can also cause pressures to vary. You will see higher pressure if the machine and or conditioner is cold. This is especially true of the higher viscosity oils. This the reason you should try to store the machine and supplies at room temperature.

If you are experiencing oil pressure fluctuating while conditioning the lanes, the is most likely a small piece of debris in the oil control valve. Below is a link to a video the explains how to clean the valve. This video shows an older machine, but the procedure is basically the same. CLEANING OIL CONTROL VALVE

Changing conditioners that have a big difference is viscosity will alter the pressure. After changing conditioners, check the pressure. Higher viscosity oils will increase the pressure and lower viscosity be lower it. The pressure is adjusted by changing the length of the pressure tubing. A longer piece of tubing will increase the pressure, and a shorter piece will lower it. Tubing can be purchased by ordering Kegel Part Number: 154-0202B. It is sold by the inch. It is a good idea to always keep some spare tubing on hand when considering a change of conditioners. Below is a link to a video explaining how to adjust the pressure. HOW TO ADJUST OIL PRESSURE

If you are noticing low pressure, the most common cause is a clogged oil filter. Most models have a filter inside the oil tank. This filter can be cleaned by removing the oil tank and removing the filter from the tank. Abnormally high pressure can be caused when the oil control valve becomes stuck due to debris. In that case, the valve will need to be removed and cleaned. Running the machine with too much pressure can cause components to fail and should be addressed quickly.