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Old 06-02-2020, 10:03 AM   #1
bearestir
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Default 5/16 Press in Grease Fitting Doesn't Fit (too small)

I am new to Model A's and am having some issues trying to grease my 1930 Model A pickup. I have had no problems with the zerk fittings. I have, however, had two issues. First, as I noted in another thread, the grease fittings for the 8 spring shackles are all empty holes. So, I ordered the 5/16 press in original grease fittings. They don't fit. They easily fit in (and afll out). There is no snugness whatsoever. Do I have the wrong size? I ordered them from Mac's.



Second issue is greasing the original "Model A" fittings that remain. The grease gun adapter I use doesn't fit tight to the fitting (I assumed the adapter would link up tightly as ti does with a zerk fitting). I have to press the adapter very tightly to the fitting and it tends to leak a lot of grease. I either am doing something wrong or using the wrong adapter. I have thought about getting a Macnaught Safety Grease Coupler.



Any comments or thoughts would be appreciated, Thank you.
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Old 06-02-2020, 10:36 AM   #2
BRENT in 10-uh-C
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Default Re: 5/16 Press in Grease Fitting Doesn't Fit (too small)

Are you certain the spring hangers (shackles) do not have threaded holes?

Do you have the correct adapter for your grease gun to fit the original style fittings? If not, most Model-A vendors sell those which screws onto a regular grease gun.
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Old 06-02-2020, 10:42 AM   #3
wmws
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Default Re: 5/16 Press in Grease Fitting Doesn't Fit (too small)

Those adapters for the original grease fittings don't work very well. If it's not a show car I would go with all Zerks.
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Old 06-02-2020, 01:53 PM   #4
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Default Re: 5/16 Press in Grease Fitting Doesn't Fit (too small)

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Originally Posted by wmws View Post
Those adapters for the original grease fittings don't work very well. If it's not a show car I would go with all Zerks.
They work good if you have the gun angled at exactly the right position.
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Old 06-02-2020, 02:32 PM   #5
Ruth
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Default Re: 5/16 Press in Grease Fitting Doesn't Fit (too small)

Not a fan of the original style fittings. Why not replace them so you don't have to fight them. I like to put the little plastic dust caps on my zerks also. https://www.amazon.com/HERIS-Bleeder...%2C721&sr=8-11
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Old 06-02-2020, 08:28 PM   #6
David R.
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Default Re: 5/16 Press in Grease Fitting Doesn't Fit (too small)

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Check and make sure the holes aren’t tapped for 1/8” pipe thread. If not and they are too big you could tap them 1/8” and use threaded fittings. Difficulty you are having greasing original fittings is likely why Mr. Zerk’s invention was successful!
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Old 06-02-2020, 09:05 PM   #7
bavArian
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Default Re: 5/16 Press in Grease Fitting Doesn't Fit (too small)

Had the same problem as you with the rear shackles. As a temporary solution, I glued fittings in place. Ended up replacing the shackles as they were worn out and gummed up with ancient grease. Press-in-fittings work flawlessly with new shackles. I used new style fittings because they are easier to grease than the older ones.
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Old 06-03-2020, 08:37 AM   #8
vern hodgson
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Default Re: 5/16 Press in Grease Fitting Doesn't Fit (too small)

If you tap, be sure and buy a flat bottom tap.
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Old 06-03-2020, 10:46 AM   #9
30ccpickup
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Default Re: 5/16 Press in Grease Fitting Doesn't Fit (too small)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bearestir View Post
I am new to Model A's and am having some issues trying to grease my 1930 Model A pickup. I have had no problems with the zerk fittings. I have, however, had two issues. First, as I noted in another thread, the grease fittings for the 8 spring shackles are all empty holes. So, I ordered the 5/16 press in original grease fittings. They don't fit. They easily fit in (and afll out). There is no snugness whatsoever. Do I have the wrong size? I ordered them from Mac's.



Second issue is greasing the original "Model A" fittings that remain. The grease gun adapter I use doesn't fit tight to the fitting (I assumed the adapter would link up tightly as ti does with a zerk fitting). I have to press the adapter very tightly to the fitting and it tends to leak a lot of grease. I either am doing something wrong or using the wrong adapter. I have thought about getting a Macnaught Safety Grease Coupler.



Any comments or thoughts would be appreciated, Thank you.
First Issue

If you purchased the tool to press fit the zerk using a hammer , https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/P...earchByKeyword flip the tool upside down on the workbench with the zerk in it. Hit the bottom of the zerk with the hammer to mushroom the base out.
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