550B Lubrication

[centershot]

I acquired a used machine and just squirt 30 weight, non detergent, oil onto the various hinge joints and the ram. I know that Dillon has a video on how to lube the machine. How many owners actually take it apart to do this? They show an alignment tool to re assemble it also. I suppose that I could just buy the lube upgrade kit that the "C" model has.

 

[skeeljc]

Mine has a grease zerk on the toddle. I just use 3 in 1 oil on the ram and pivots.

 

[DirtySteve]

I took my 550B apart recently and lubed it. So I take it apart every 20 years I guess. I do use 3 in 1 oil on it a lot.

 

[centershot]

I took my 550B apart recently and lubed it. So I take it apart every 20 years I guess. I do use 3 in 1 oil on it a lot.

Do you have the alignment tool?

 

[JOE360]

I had a used machine that one pivot arm locked up. It was the style without grease zerks. So I took it all apart and greased it. I drilled holes in the arms where the grease zerks would be to help oil it later. Also you can get it back together without alignment tool. I can't remember exactly how I aligned it but wasn't to hard.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

Do you have the alignment tool?

There's an alignment tool?

 

[DirtySteve]

Do you have the alignment tool

Yes, I bought a use BL550 at a gun show several years ago, and when I ordered the priming system to upgrade it they recommended the alignment tool.

 

[DirtySteve]

There's an alignment tool?

Yes they are about $13-14..

 

[DirtySteve]

I had a used machine that one pivot arm locked up. It was the style without grease zerks. So I took it all apart and greased it. I drilled holes in the arms where the grease zerks would be to help oil it later. Also you can get it back together without alignment tool. I can't remember exactly how I aligned it but wasn't to hard.

If your priming arm was adjusted properly before taking it apart, that would line it up...I think..

 

[tac284]

I purchased an older 550b a year ago from a friend who manages a storage unit. It was pretty rough so I took it completely apart, washed everything and reassembled using HOBO oil. I didn’t have the alignment tool and I think if you have some mechanical ability you won’t need it, but for $13-14 bucks I guess it’s good insurance, special when primers cost what they do!

 

[Dub]

the alignment tool is a must have IMO

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

For the every 5 year lube job: ie taking the pivot pins etc out to clean and relube, the alignment tool is not needed. I occasionally wipe off the main shaft while fully up and then fully down and re apply some 30 wt motor oil (Dillions recommended lube). The cranking arm on the bottom of the main shaft can be removed leaving the shaft still in the frame.

Frank

 

[ckaberna]

I purchased an older 550b a year ago from a friend who manages a storage unit. It was pretty rough so I took it completely apart, washed everything and reassembled using HOBO oil. I didn’t have the alignment tool and I think if you have some mechanical ability you won’t need it, but for $13-14 bucks I guess it’s good insurance, special when primers cost what they do!

I also bought a used 550 and a 650 a call to Dillon and sent the alignment tool and another tool I can’t recall which for free. When I get back to the shop I’ll look.

 

[ckaberna]

Update below is what they sent back in May of this year

 

[JayHHI6818]

Here’s alignment tool

 

[Dub]

The alignment tool is invaluable

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Man ive had a 550 for over 20yrs and i never knew the alignment tool existed. What exactly does it align and how do i know if i need it?

 

[JayHHI6818]

Alignment tool is only required if you remove the shell plate platform. I don’t remember the details but for some reason Dillion sent me a new shell plate and the alignment tool.

Alignment tool is put into a powder "die" to align the base for the primer cup. You put a powder die in station 1, with the alignment tool inserted, raise the ram, align the base and tighten the screws.

Platform Alignment Tool | RL550 Series / XL650

This tool is needed if the platform needs to be removed, whether for cleaning & lubrication or for parts replacement. NOTE: This tool is included with the RL550 Frame Change Kit, XL650 Platform Kit, with a warranty crank replacement kit, and with the failsafe upgrade kits for the RL550. If you...

www.dillonprecision.com

Couldn’t find video for 550. 650 video shows how to use alignment tool.

 

[Rsadams]

I have the 550c and it's alot easier.... Some grease and 30w and your good to go.... There's videos out there that show you the tool to align the pivot arm thing... It's basically a large nail with some work done to it if I remember correctly.... The alignment tool that goes up where the dies go to align the deck is only needed if the deck is removed and when I asked about it they said they would ship one free but that there was no reason to mess with it on a new press.... So I said never mind and he was correct , I have never removed it...

 

[SEM]

I decided to cheat, this stuff dripped on the pivot points work it and then dry it up lasts a real heavy session or two makes things work like butter, maybe one day I will upgrade to the lube zerks

Tetra Gun Lubricant Gun Oil 4oz Liquid ​

A great oil for actions, barrels and other surfaces subjected to friction. Features an operating range of -100 degrees F to 750 degrees F. It's applies...

www.midwayusa.com