Hello Mr. Tore and Katuna,
Question 1: What is the cylinder number for the cylinder closes to the maneuvering panel???
Question 2: The 12 hex head screws on lubricator, are they just for holding/attaching the lubrication lines???
Question 3: Where are the needle screw/valves to adjust the drop size to the sight glass located???
The last two posts look to be spot on as far as to how the "Lubricator" actually worked.
Another thought - the oil level in the sight glass tube would remain at a constant level because as the diesel engine speed increases or decreased, then the rocker arm drive would increase or decrease the number of oil drops provided to the sight glass tube and in turn provide more or less oil to the cylinder chamber through the non-return valve. The adjustment of the feed needle valve will increase or decrease the volume of the oil drop which results in more or less oil forced from the upper oil area of the sight glass and through the non-return valve providing more or less oil to the cylinder chamber. So, again the oil level at the top of the sight glass would remain at a constant level???
Perhaps the only way to change the oil level in the sight glass is to decrease the internal water level and the sight glass internal pressure will still be maintained (don't want to change the oil feed pressure). And another thought - why not just fill the sight glass with oil; that would still work for lubricating the cylinder chamber. However, Having water in the sight glass you can see the oil drop rising which is a visual verification that the Lubricator is working!
I have been doing some reading about marine Diesel engines on the internet. When the Diesel fuel oil ignites in the cylinder chamber sulfuric acid is created which will corrode the pistons, piston rings, cylinder sleeves, valves and valve seats, etc. The lubricator has 12 lubrication lines which go to the 6 cylinders on the GW Diesel engine (2 per cylinder). The cylinder lubrication oil has a special property (addictive) which neutralizes the sulphuric acid to counter the corrosion effect after ignition. If you look closely at the lubricator there is a large filler cap on the top. I believe when the oil level gets to be low, then it's the responsibility of the Diesel engine operator to refill the lubricator. This could be a normal scheduled maintenance procedure after a normal 4 hour shift.
Regards,
Don_