Oil Well Gear Box Rebuild.

Gearbox rebuild on a D18 American pumping unit.

[@dalegawne5286]

first time i've seen someone rebuild a gear box and not change the oil. lol. but like you said you've been doing it a long time time and if it works it works.

[@mousepad9999]

Yeah. That oil looks like mud.

[@chrisstaylor8377]

2016 I drove up through Texas ,oaklahoma, Kansas and saw plenty of pumps working , took some photos as well , nothing like this in nz , went past a yard with dozens of gas engines that were used on pumps ,but know one there to explain there use , watching you work answers a lot of questions , thanks

[@garrisonkarr9445]

WOW !! ... what a neat video! ... the simple reliability of these pumpers is just amazing ... keep sending these out and thank you!

[@arlynsmith9196]

Wow. Just found your channel and now I am hooked! Love th oil field vids!

[@TheZachLife]

Welcome aboard!

[@Comm0ut]

Herringbone gears doing what they do best, limit lateral loads. Slick and classic machinery design. Straight cut gears would be cheaper but not last near as long. Those boxes are really elegantly designed and executed.

[@elonmust7470]

Over 7k new subscribers in the last 30 days, that's getting it done! Congratulations!

[@TheZachLife]

It's been crazy.

[@jeffpiatt3879]

You can put an impact hammer on the end of that shaft of that pulley or whatever it was you were trying to pull at the start of the video. Get a pry bar and put pressure on the back side of what you are trying to pull and keep the impact hammer pounding on the end of the shaft and the pulley or whatever and keep prying on the back side and it will come off way easier than using a puller. Been doing this for 30 years with lawnmower engine flywheels, car engine flywheels, etc. Thumbs up! Love your videos!

[@mrwolf9335]

Its taken me all easter holiday to watch and get up to date with the epic motorhome build the car the trailer and the oil field segments and the cooking ;) cant wait for the first trip away with the motorhome love all the oil field stuff too keep up the amazing content 💪💪💪

[@demartin5366]

Hi Zach, Happy Easter to you. Really enjoy your step by step presentation of this gear box rebuild. Good to show the close ups of the parts, nice job. Keep up the great work, so appreciated!

[@TheZachLife]

Thanks.

[@jamesweishaupt5570]

50 years ago I needed to change a head gasket on my '64 Plymouth underneath a tree, in the middle of winter (in Michigan) with little more than a butter knife and a pair of pliers. This reminded me of that experience.

[@TheZachLife]

Hahaha

[@robertmartin1784]

Hello fun to watch . I worked for lacy oil tool . Air balanced pumping units. Worked on alot of different types of pumps . Your work sure brings back lots of memories for me . Thanks for your channel 👍

[@leeleelee1236]

Great video thank you for taking your time out of your day to share with us your work 😊👍🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@666Bushwacker666]

Not trying to be that guy with this comment. I love the poor boy oilfield angle lol. I was a pumpjack mechanic for 20 years here in Alberta. Don’t agree with some of the tactics here but it’s his iron and he can do what he likes. With these little jacks you can knock wrist pins out with the nut still one so they don’t hit the ground! Break that casting and it’s often a waiting game to find a new one some times. A set of flat wedges to spread the crank arms a touch and you can pull them off and install them by hand in less then 30 seconds no need for the press or hammer. For the low speed seals same thing hammer the hard 90 angle of the seal pulling in and rip it out. No need to drill into it and maybe put large filing chunks into the oil sump for the low speed bearings. Plus he’s half right about the pinion sound. It’s making that noise mostly cause it has no load on it so these 3 phase motors kinda surge a little and that’s what the noise is cause the pinion is chasing the High speed gear. This unit would sound ok if it gets balanced good. I have seen a few videos with other jacks looking almost to out of balance. He could be saving a lot in belt replacements and the power bill to get them within 5 amps draw. A perfectly balanced jack should be basically able to lift the arms to 12 with the sheave by hand.

[@whathasxgottodowithit3919.]

Oil field engineering at its best, however you got the job completed, and running in an hour, cant be bad.

[@davezul4396]

I got a 1937 Ingersoll Rand upright air compressor. I changed the oil in the compressor head once, that was 40 years ago. Oil still looks the same as when I changed it.

[@tundramanq]

It is neat to run across these very hard to make thus expensive herringbone gears - strong, smooth running and very long lasting.

[@JorisKofman]

Agreed, when i was in engineering school we were told that herring bone gears are the best but they supposedly were only ever used in super specialized machines, but were generally to expensive for any real applications applications. Not really true i learned today😊

[@flaplaya]

Looks good to me. Nit pickers might cry about methods but the result in this case is the same: Success. That is a Herringbone cut on the high speed and bull gear. Absolute finest quality very difficult to machine. Fiat invented the one piece Herringbone many years after those were machined. Ultra reliable and self aligning. Cool stuff man keep doing things your way we like it 👍

[@ravenbarsrepairs5594]

Definately. I've got a video I did years ago tearing apart a hydrostatic lawn mower transmission(supposedly non-serviceable) and repairing it. Had a commentor years later say I was doing everything wrong, my tools were too dirty/rusty, and if I followed the manufacturers instructions, I wouldn't have had any trouble(non-servicable so manufactures instruction were to replace the whole unit for $600+ rather than just replace a single thrust bearing.)

[@danielmoorley8652]

Love your comment ,I was smirking many times watching this thinking that there's a way to do this by the book ...then there's the "get it done, get it earning" , hez the boss he knows the risks of the shortcuts, he will pay for it if he messes it up... I'd do it the same .... then there's the state of the workshop...some tubers workshops look like you could eat off the floor ...I work for a living, my workshop keeps all the various equipment that actually makes me money out and working...mine looks like his

[@Larzaoui]

Not Fiat invented this gear cur but Citroen.

[@kylerayk]

I recently subscribed to your channel and I'm very interested in oilfield equipment. I work in the pharmaceutical industry so your shop and work methods make me cringe but I understand the differences in our field of work. Keep the content rolling!

[@TheZachLife]

Hahaha Thanks.

[@benb8804]

Keep up the good work Zach we appreciate your videos

[@janrozemaaus]

Nice how you share your knowledge love it.

[@TheZachLife]

Thanks

[@MarlHellbringer]

"This is actually tighter then normal". That can be a good thing lol

[@TheZachLife]

haha

[@Smachfest]

Grinding Paste Lubrication. And a worn pinion.

[@Watchmaker_Gereon-Schloesser]

a short but perfect analysis. if someone has oil for an oil change than he or no one... notice the citroën chevron gears! Invented in poland before WW1 and bought by andré citroën (who had polish-german - Masza Amelia -->Kleinman - genetics on his mothers side).

[@alro2434]

@@Watchmaker_Gereon-Schloesser THANKS for explaining the Citroen chevron origin! Herringbone, no side thrust, but machining is a bitch.

[@stovebolt448]

Zach this video should be required viewing for the knotheads in Washington D.C. maybe they can learn something about oil wells and how much it cost, But we are talking about congress critters. After all you only need a bucket and a shovel to dig for oil.

[@TheZachLife]

Haha sounds good to me

[@randacnam7321]

Problem is they would spontaneously combust when exposed to honest labor.
Not a bad idea, actually.

[@janrozemaaus]

Mate, you are a ruff bush mechanic 🧑‍🔧

[@sosebee12nadc13]

Its been a while since I've seen herringbone gears!

[@davezul4396]

Those herringbone gears in the thumbnail caught my eye!

[@floridamancomedy3151]

man i just found your channel and am addicted this is so interesting and ive always wondered how those oil field pumps work.

[@johnfry9010]

I would love to have one of those out in front of my house here in Northern CA just to blow my neighbors mind , LOL !

[@Pillowcase]

Those gears turning sure are fun to look at.

[@robertbutler3053]

This is amazing how you can fix anything . what a GOD given talent.

[@chrispza]

Hmm ... That could feature in the r/skookum subreddit.
Fascinating. Thank you, Zach.
(Edit: Spellioung.)

[@dennishinkle5010]

There are so many of those pump jacks laying around parts are not a problem.

[@Wingnut_Stickman]

Short shaft or long shaft? It's nice that he asked before sending a wrong one. Knowlegable folk on the parts line can save you lots of grief.

[@TheZachLife]

I agree 100%

[@dbriggs1689]

Pretty interesting.

[@randacnam7321]

Generally, single phasing 3 phase motors is bad (as in yellow goo of death/catch fire bad). I would recommend a 240V to 480V transformer and a few horse VFD for a test run rig.

[@jimw7ry]

There is virtually no load on that motor just turning a few un-loaded gears. Not like your trying to pump oil with it running on 240 volts. The motor is designed for 480 volts, so its running on 1/2 voltage anyway.

[@toddavis8603]

Great job!

[@MikeF1189]

If you put a piece of scotch tape over your mic and pinch a little up in the middle, it will fix that wind noise.

[@TheZachLife]

Intersting. I will try this. Thanks!

[@gregeconomeier1476]

Considering how much oil sludge is being recirculated through the oil drip trays, how long until the drip holes plug up again?

[@sam1174]

No need to change the oil because there is no combustion blowing carbon past cylinder rings. The oil never gets saturated with carbon, and the gears run cool so the oil doesn't break down. But I'd throw a bigass magnet in there to collect any metal shavings. The shavings are abrasive and they'll eat away at the gears.

[@jonasstahl9826]

Actual not, oil also break down from mechanical shearing force it basicly cut the oil molecules and the oil get thinner, at somepoint it is to thin to stick to the gears and they lack lubrication.

[@oneFreetinker]

They say a messy workbench is a sign of genius.

[@Vintageguy73]

Lost the end of my right middle finger on a well pump (water well) V belt. Like you i still have a nail though

[@gregdrmax]

You ever heard of a man name Harold Nus? He and another man patented a first of it's kind oil well drilling bit. They were from the Houston/Galveston area. I believe they made a pretty good sum on money out of that deal. His brother (my uncle) Alvin is still alive. Guess I should look into this more.

[@jimbos3421]

With all the junk on the bench, you probably have a piece of pipe to use driving the bearings on, I know I would!

[@davidvallejo135]

Hello Zack ......could you tell me where I can find a great arm puller like you have so I can stop breaking arms on the way we have been doing it. Thanks for all the knowledge and watching from San Antonio

[@TheZachLife]

So it's a cheap 20 ton jaw puller I picked up off of amazon. I had to look for one that allowed the use of only 2 jaws to get ahold of a crank arm.

[@davidvallejo135]

How bout a vendor on high speed gears as I need one for Lufkin 10D

[@ttony6538]

Really enjoying these videos!
What is up with the Firebird in the shop?
It’s looks like a nitrous car with that hood scoop!

[@MarlHellbringer]

With today's electrical rates for running those 3ph motors and your general overhead. How many barrels does an average well need to produce to break even?

[@TheZachLife]

This varies greatly but the well behind me in the introduction makes about 15 bbls per month and is a profitable well. Sometimes this number can be much lower down to maybe 5bbls per month depending on the other factors but is typically higher

[@hootroyer]

Great videos! I’ve been following the 101 series as I look at oil leases. Do you plan to provide some guidance on looking up production records? Where do you do most your videos? Thanks again!

[@patrickoleary6379]

I'm just interested in this myself. I'm not anywhere near oil fields,but and generally interested in this info.

[@stxrynn]

Did that start out as sewing machine oil? Man, that is some USED stuff.
"Hi folks, and welcome back to How Long Will It Last? This is Zach."
"Hey, folks!"
"Now Zach, why are you not changing the oil in this gear box?"
"Well sir, I figure it sat in the ground for 93.41 bazillion years, so floating around in a gear box for a 100 ain't gonna hurt it none."
"And there you have it folks! This oil was old to begin with, and it's just being turned back into crude, slowly and surely. Tune in again next time when we see Zach burning, cutting, hammering and wrenching on a new hummingbird heart valve!"
"Catch ya on the next one!"

[@stevensaxon8888]

Zach, I wish you would have changed the oil in the gearbox.

[@cmh2111]

I agree. My OCD was lit right up. lol.

[@TheZachLife]

I figured it might get to some people. :)

[@cmh2111]

@@TheZachLife I figured you know more then me, when it comes to these machines. But its been preached and drilled into our heads to change oil as a maintained item. Add to that I worked for Honda (head office) for 20 years, so its probably in my DNA by now. lol.

[@Smachfest]

I was triggered.
🤣

[@danielmoorley8652]

The noise is the gears cycling from the motor driving the box and the box driving the motor (no load)

[@kc033056]

Happy Easter. Good talk! What weight oil is used in the gearbox? Those oilers,such simple technology. On average how often do the gearboxes get a rebuild? Next. Kc

[@TheZachLife]

They go along time. I would guess this one has at least 40 years of runtime and is the first time its been through maybe closer to 60. There are many built in the 40's and 50's that I would bet are original other than maybe a seal or two.

[@dalelyons4366]

What’s with the drag car in the back of the shop?

[@kennethney4260]

I don't get the thought process behind not changing the oil 😕

[@corydriver7634]

If the viscosity is still there, there’s no need to. The oil in this gearbox doesn’t heat up like a combustion engine would so it doesn’t breakdown. It probably stays relatively fresh as it gets topped off on a regular basis due to leakage. As he said you probably could change the oil but it’s not enough of a difference maker so why? Remember how long this rig has been around.

[@yukon4511]

Wonderful

[@TrystyKat]

A hydraulic press is less than $200 from Harbor Freight and it will save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run.

[@landonmaust8420]

Where did you order the bearing and new high speed shaft from. And just curious how much was the bearings?

[@reeceedwards2509]

Where can you buy a pump jack as such or a smaller one? Thanks

[@victoryfirst2878]

You said this is an American unit, is the gearbox an American manufacturing company unit also ??? I have been told the great minds think alike and they most certainly do. I have been taking out oil seals with using self tapping screws since my old mechanic neighbor showed me that trick fifty years ago. So you must somehow have known someone old that showed you that trick. Nice work Zack.

[@TheZachLife]

Yes its it thanks.

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@TheZachLife Thanks fella. God bless.

[@WinningSweetTs]

Dude someone stole your truck

[@WinningSweetTs]

Just kidding y’all have a great trip

[@joehead1294]

Spherical roller bearing translation-ball bearing? LOL

[@TheZachLife]

Spherical roller bearings are a bearing that can have the inner and outer races run out of square with each other.

[@joehead1294]

@@TheZachLife Thanks for the info. I better get back on the porch.

[@ruben_balea]

@@joehead1294 Their rollers are shaped like wooden barrels, halfway between balls and cylinders, and are arranged in two rows around the inner race, held in place by a cage.
There are also spherical ball bearings which, as the name suggests, use balls and plain bearings in which the inner race slides directly inside and against the outer race without any intermediate elements other than the lubricant.

[@billjohnson2462]

I’m looking to buy some old sucker rods for fencing. Any leads?

[@cableandchain]

i use to roust a bout in abilene texas and the guys i work with whould just jump out of truck and run up to well and i say wait a min look around then get out so you aint supprised we saw all kinds of shit from snakes wasps skunks now they wait to run up to well lol

[@keithaldridge8780]

Howdy Zach

[@TheZachLife]

👋

[@pvcarmon1]

What kind of oil is that? Can we rinse it all out with diesel and replace it with Rotella

[@TheZachLife]

Its the cheapest GL-1 90wt that money can buy.

[@stanleyjones6705]

this box was made 70 to 80 years ago, it would be a waste of money to put in motor oil into a gear box.

[@davemachoukas6175]

Would have drained the old oil. Looks like mud.

[@texassweet1618]

Hi Zach, I own a shallow oil lease in central Texas and work on mostly Jensen # 6.4 and # 10 pumping units. My older units are from the 30's and 40's and need the high speed gears
which I can no longer find. Could you send me the info. on the machine shop you use so I can have some of them made? It would be a shame to scrap these old units which run better than the new ones when everything else is in good order. Thanks, B

[@TheZachLife]

Email me [e-mail] so this doesn’t get lost. I’ve got a couple of guys that might help you out. Send some picks and model numbers and give me a week or so. I’ve got a friend that can sometimes do better that the custom gear shop.

[@nickwhite-zz8vf]

I see you have all old old units, do they make modern ones?

[@derrick_builds]

Great video. Love the 3 phase power hack.
Where did you get your video chops at? Keep up the good work. You ever need a video shooter for the day let me know.
Derrick from San Angelo - TX

[@dylanray2135]

Do you have any gaslift wells.

[@chrisjarvis4449]

it will were in before it weres out

[@tenkiller9999]

After watching this video I assume that th larger gears will last forever.?

[@TheZachLife]

Yes or at least a few generations.

[@alro2434]

It's definitely not going to last as long the second time around with that sludge! Crude outta the ground, strained through a tee-shirt is probably better!

[@bighouseperformance8151]

Whats up with that 2nd gen in the backround.

[@TheZachLife]

2nd gen what? No dodges around here.

[@joeambly6807]

What's with the censored parts???

[@chechnya]

Bro, why is your shop such a mess? Tools and spray on the ground signifies laziness