Jay Lubricator

fbl

New member
I have a 29 roadster ( first time ) with a Jay Lubricator and not sure what kind of oil goes in it and how to get in it to put the oil in, will try to post picture later Help thanks, Fred
 
Your first post! Welcome Fred!

There are two styles of Jay lubricators that I know of. (I collect lubricators) Either you have a round dome two part metal device in which the bottom half unscrews to fill, or you have the glass version. The all metal one is based on US patent 1,753,718 issued to S.H. Paxton.

The design is extremely complicated internally. Operation is far superior to the lowly Ampco oiler and similar to the Marvel inverse oilers. I suggest you research the patent for details. Basically it provides a constant oil feed rate. I can't say for sure but I believe the original 'Jay' oil was a compounded oil consisting of various plant oils like castor and methylated organic acids to form esters. I don't know the base carrier but likely it was a 1920's petrol non-cat crack straight distill based derivative.

You could use MMO or two-cycle oil in it. Explaining how to adjust it would fill pages... Read the patent description.
 
Welcome Fred!!

A post in the AACA forum states " Usually filled with Marvel Mystery Oil, Redex, Bardahl or similar."

ajaxhelper
 
These remind me of our LPG (propane/butane mix) that OZ servos (gas stations) flog (sell) here..

Ours are a vacuum operated drip feed of a so-called valve saver snake oil.(supposed lead substitute )

They were not needed when cars were factory built with hardened exhaust valve seats , when the ADR (OZ govt, automotive rule )was mandated in 1986 that all new cars must run on unleaded fuel.

Do not see them much anymore as the govt. has just about kiled off the LPG benefit by hiking up the local price and selling it for a pittance to China..
 
I recommend using ATF in the oil injector. It has cleaning and lubrication properties that are better IMO than MMO or other additives often referred to here on the Barn.
 
I want to post a picture of the lubricator and have gotten it to a album, got to figure how to get it in the post. My jay has a metal top with a glass bottom and is smaller than some of those already posted. We are in some of the flood area and had to deal with a inch of water in the basement which has detracted me for a while. Thanks Fred
 
OK, now that we know which model it is here's what is inside. Look up the patent description to find out how it works & how to adjust it.
Paxton%20Lubricator%20jpg.jpg

 
Mike - I have an incomplete Jay Lubricator on my 1927 Willys-Knight I've just purchased. It appears to only be missing the glass jar? Any info on operation and adjustment ? I can send you a photo.
 
Decades ago the Restorer magazine had an article about adding a PCV valve from the valve cover to the wiper port on intake manifold. It may potentially aspirate oil mist into the manifold and perhaps do a similar job including fouling the spark plugs.
 
Mike - I have an incomplete Jay Lubricator on my 1927 Willys-Knight I've just purchased. It appears to only be missing the glass jar? Any info on operation and adjustment ? I can send you a photo.

Please note that this thread is 5 years old.
 
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