hello and thanks for any advice on this issue

i recently installed a commercial fire door with the self-closing apparatus -but i over loosened the fine adjusment screws and lost alot of the oil inside-

does anyone know what type of oil-hydraulic maybe- and weight and how i should refill it -my guess was to just pour it in the top screw but how much is full or doesnt it matter that much-

thanks for any help -i love watching this thing close ----josh

 

Hi Josh, well these type of closers are sealed closers and one the oil is lost to the unit they cant normally be refilled, you do have to be very careful when using the fine adjustment screws these screws normally two of them adjust the overall closing speed of the door and the other one is for the finger guard closing speed this is the part of the closer that stops the door at a certain angle then slows the door right down to allow persons to remove their fingers before the dppr closers on them
so unfortunatly you do need to buy a new closer for the door.

 

are you sure it needs replaced as it still operates well
not a significant amount of oil came out but im wondering if even a small amount will reduce its effeciency

ill try adding some if it doesnt work ill get a new one do u have any idea the type of oil it takes ?
thanks for your help---josh

 

Hi Josh, well yes any oil that leaks out of a sealed unit like a closer will have a bearing on how it operates, but if the oil leakage was not to much it may be ok for a few years to come, so I would leave well alone dont try to refill it as they are not meant to be refilled as they are sealed units and are spring loaded to and under pressure by removing the adjustment screws all that will happen is more oil will escape and then it will definatly need replacing..

 

hi i seen this thread and HAD TO REGISTER AND REPLY. guys, these hydrualic closers that are used on fire doors ARE refillable with oil, depending on manufacturere will depend on whats recommended for the closer
(such as LCN it is differant then whats used in a NORTON or DORMA) what i think best to do is call the manufactere that made the door closer or a locksmith and ask them, they may be able to get you oil for it. if they can't try to find a multi viscosity hydrualic oil. remove the door closer from door and remove the valve with valve end upwards, pour in the hydrualic oil slowly while moving arm to bleed out any air. (somewhat like bleeding brakes on a car) when full of oil screw in valve into hole and check for leaks. if none replace back onto door and readjust (DONT REMOVE ANY VALVES WHEN ITS MOUNTED ON DOOR A LEAK MAY RESULT)

most door Closer manufacturers have a website

LCN
www.lcnclosers.com

NORTON
www.nortondoorcontrols.com

DORMA
WWW.DORMA-USA.COM/USA

RIXON(usually concealed in top jamb or in floor)
www.rixon.com

good luck i hope this helps(this is my first post!!)

 

Hopefully this door is fixed. The original post was from Feb 2001. Dates of posts are in the upper lefthand corner of the post. Thanks for the info though.

 

yes i see that mod, just thougt id give my advice about door closers since when i read it. it was sounding as if they thought the hydraulic ones were throw aways. i have worked on many kind in high school and technical school and became more of an expert on them and throught id throw in my advice in what to do in case if josh has another one with this problem or anyone else does. i have seen too many installation errors and mishaps with them that just wanting to let other people know that they are differant then the storm door kind and use oil and not air and to not remove valves unless closer is removed first. i think id be helpful since within the past year ih ave seen thr populer brands of them reach places like grainger and home depot.

i hope i wasnt mean
i didnt see how old the thread was until after teh post was sent but thought it would be helpful to any future hydrualic closer buyers/users to help ease tension with adjusting the unusual and sometimes confusing peice of hardware.