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My coolant pump seized up last month and it was my own fault
I used to just top off the coolant in my Okuma lathe and call it good. For years, I never really cleaned the tank out, just adding more when it got low. About six months ago, I started hearing a faint grinding noise from the pump but ignored it. Last month, the whole thing locked up solid in the middle of a 500-piece run. When I pulled the pump, the bottom of the tank was packed with a thick sludge of chips and tramp oil. The repair guy said running it like that was like putting sand in the bearings. Now, I do a full coolant system clean and filter check every Friday before I leave. It adds maybe 30 minutes to my week but saves a huge headache. Has anyone else set a strict schedule for coolant maintenance after a bad failure?
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