How to change the oil and filter on a LB 16 single- stage oil sealed rotary vane vacuum pump August, 2024
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Leybold LB 16 rotary vane vacuum pump oil and filter change minor maintenance
On this page, we will walk you through changing the oil and filter on your Leybold LB 16 single-stage oil-sealed rotary vane vacuum pump: draining the oil, disassembling the pump, cleaning the oil tank, and putting everything back together again.
We recommend using this guide in combination with the instruction manual for this pump (2031018375).
Before you begin
Remember to switch on power to the pump ~1 hour before beginning service. This will give the pump time to cool down to a handleable temperature.
Tools needed for this service:
| Tools required for this service: |
| 1. Flat screwdriver |
| 2. Allen key set |
| 3. 32mm spanner |
| 4. 13mm spanner |
| 5. 12mm spanner |
| 6. A funnel |
| 7. An oil collection tray with a minimum volume of 1.5L |
| Spare kits needed for this service: |
| 1. Sealing kit: 2031000425 |
| 2. Filter kit: 2031000429 |
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Follow along with our video tutorial on this maintenance procedure:
DISASSEMBLY
How to drain the oil on your vacuum pump.
- Begin by removing the oil pouring plug by hand to release the pressure.
- Next, with a tray of at least 1.5 L drain the oil from the vacuum pump by removing the oil drain plug. This can be done with an 8mm allen key.
- Now remove the oil sight glass using a 32mm spanner.
- Unscrew the bolts from the front ends cover of the oil tank using a 5mm allen key.
- The front end of the cover tank can now be removed.
- Now unscrew the bolts using a 5mm allen key to remove the side cover of the oil tank.
- Remove the spring on the side cover and check its rigidity – if it is still strong, it can be removed, otherwise it should be discarded and replaced.
- Next the popper and lever assembly can be removed near the EMF.
- Remove the clip-ORV over the diaphragm, and then the washer and diaphragm.
- Now the exhaust mist filter can be removed.
STATOR CLEANING
*Please note: this step is not mandatory. If the stator on your vacuum pump does not need to be cleaned, skip to ‘OIL TANK ASSEMBLY’ step below.
How to remove the stator in a vacuum pump.
- Begin by using a 4mm allen key to remove the motor view port plate.
- Now use a 5mm allen key to unscrew the bolts holding the motor in place and remove the motor.
- Now place the motor securely between two wooden blocks (as shown below or refer to the video tutorial 3:43 to see the correct orientation).
4. Now moving back to the body of the vacuum pump, unscrew the nuts using a 13mm spanner to remove the stator from the oil tank.
5. Separate the stator from the oil tank.
6. Next, focus on the oil tank. Remove the O-ring from the exhaust face groove of the oil tank.
How to remove the inlet filter from a vacuum pump.
- Focusing back on the stator, remove the sintered filter using a 12mm spanner.
- Clean the sintered filter using compressed air.
- Once cleaned, the sintered filter can be placed back onto the stator and tightened using a 12mm spanner.
- Next, remove the spider.
- Once removed, check the toughness of the spider by pressing it with your hand, or gently scratching the surface. The spider should be discarded and replaced if the spider turns into powder when scratched, or if it is found damaged.
- Now remove the inlet filter.
- Using a 4mm allen key, unscrew the bolts to remove the inlet flange, as well as the O-ring on the inlet face groove.
- Remove the inlet valve piston and the spring. Check the spring’s rigidity; if it is still rigid, it can be reused. If not, it should be replaced.
How to remove the exhaust filter from a vacuum pump.
- Continuing work on the stator, remove the exhaust valve screw and washer using a 5mm allen key.
- Remove the exhaust valve spring, support disk, exhaust valve spacer and rubber washer.
- Check the rigidity of the exhaust valve spring. If it is still strong, it can be reused. If not, it should be replaced.
How to clean the stator on a vacuum pump.
- Place the stator on two wooden blocks. Make sure that the pump stator is stable. The wooden blocks should fit between the legs of the stator.
- Place an oil collection tray below the exhaust port stator and insert a funnel into the inlet port.
- Pour clean oil into the stator from the inlet port, using a funnel. At the same time, rotate the rotor shaft in an anti-clockwise direction from the motor flange side.
- When the clean oil (with color code 1) begins coming from the exhaust port, stop pouring the oil.
- Now rotate the shaft to take excess oil out and avoid oil spilling.
- Move the oil collection tray out of the way and remove the wooden blocks from underneath the stator.
Important note:
Whenever performing maintenance on your vacuum pump, inspect all the disassembled parts and critical surfaces for any damage, scratches and/or material deposits. Make sure the clean them with a lint free cloth and available cleansing liquid before reassembling them.
ASSEMBLY
How to rebuild the stator on a vacuum pump.
- Begin by inserting a rubber washer, exhaust valve spacer, support disk, and exhaust valve spring.
- Insert the spring washer and exhaust valve screw and tighten with a 5mm Allen key, using a torque of 8Nm.
- Now locate the inlet valve piston and spring on the boss of the pump cylinder.
- Lubricate the O-ring with vacuum grease and add the inlet flange and the O-ring to the inlet face groove so that the ‘VACUUM’ text is facing towards the front side.
- Secure into place by tightening the screws using a 5mm Allen key and 8Nm torque.
- Now, clean the inlet filter using compressed air. Once cleaned, place the filter into the mouth of the inlet flange.
- Next, put the spider back into place between the coupling jaws.
- Moving to the oil tank, lubricate the O-ring and insert it into the exhaust face groove.
- Now, reattach the stator to the oil tank. Tighten the nuts with a 13mm spanner and a torque of 15.5Nm.
- Rotate the pump by 90 degrees and rest it on its feet.
- Attach the motor back onto the stator. Tighten the screws using a 5mm Allen key and a torque of 8Nm. Now reattach the motor view port plate using a 4mm Allen key and 5Nm of torque.
- Now reattach the motor view port plate using a 4mm Allen key and 5Nm of torque.
OIL TANK ASSEMBLY
Please note: the following instructions are mandatory.
How to assemble the oil tank on a vacuum pump.
- Begin by cleaning the oil tanka and its parts with a cloth and cleaning liquid.
- Now find the oil mist filter and use a marker to make a line on the face of the oil mist filter.
- Mark a line on the oil tank, that passes through the boss.
- Insert the filter housing into the oil tank side, aligning the two lines together.
- Next, place the diaphragm and washer on the oil tank. Lock the diaphragm into place by inserting the Clip-ORV into the groove.
- Reattach the level to the poppet.
- Add the spring on the side cover.
- Lubricate the O-ring with vacuum grease and place into the side cover.
- Place the side cover back onto the oil tank. Secure into place with screws. Tighten with a 5mm allen key and 8Nm of torque.
- Lubricate the O-ring with vacuum grease and place into the front cover of the oil tank.
- Add the front cover back on the oil tank and secure into place with a 5mm allen key and 8Nm of torque.
- Clean the oil sight glass using compressed air and reattach it to the front cover using a 32mm spanner and 20Nm torque.
- Lubricate the O-ring with vacuum grease and add to the drain plug.
- Assemble the oil drain plug to the front cover, using an 8mm allen key and 9Nm torque.
OIL POURING
How to fill a vacuum pump with oil.
- Use a funnel to pour the oil into the pump until the oil level reaches ‘max.’ This can be seen on the oil levels sight glass.
- Now lubricate the O-ring with vacuum grease and fit the oil pouring plug with the O-ring back into place by hand.
You have now completed minor maintenance on your Leybold LB 16 vacuum pump. Remember to store your tools in a safe place, ready for the next maintenance procedure. Dispose of any broken, or unwanted materials according to your local waste management regulations.
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