How do I drain the spindle oil reservoirs? 13" Single-Cast Iron Bearings

[Janderso]

When I first got this lathe, (1941, 13"X 48" with single gear box, cast iron spindle bearings)
I went through the head, I cleaned all the old oil out with pipe cleaners and paper towels. I replaced the spring loaded cotton plunger applicators.
There are no drains that I can see on the "No Brass Bearings" style.
Am I missing something? The bearings and spindle are in pristine condition, I want to keep it that way.
It's time to change the oil.
Thanks for your ideas/experience.

 

[derf]

Just turn it upside down.....

Mine actually has a drain plugs under the Gits oilers. But if your's don't, you may have to remove the oiler and suck it out with a vac or a suction gun.

 

[Janderso]

Yeah, the later models had drain plugs. It would pretty easy to drill and tap withe 1/8 npt.
Just not sure where the bottom of the reservoir is.
How far below the Oiler is your plug?

 

[derf]

.791" below the center of the oiler. There is also another plug that is .791" above the oiler, which I believe is a connector passage from the drain trough.

 

[Janderso]

I will assume they did not change the castings.
Thank you,
Stay tuned.

 

[derf]

The drain plugs are actually 3/8-24 set screws.

 

[Janderso]

Really, I would think they would be a binding/self sealing size.