If I may make an observation, I think your grease is too heavy. One place I came across (I think it was wiperman, but I couldn't find it on his site yesterday. I'm not sure where I stumbled on the tip.) said to use Vaseline. Another said to use silicone grease. I've used silicone grease before on O-rings used in vacuum bells. The consistency is a lot like Vaseline, maybe a little bit stiffer but not much. The plumber's silicone grease I got at Home Depot over the weekend is very similar to Vaseline.
The grease in my grease gun is probably around 140 wt, MUCH higher than the clear greases.
I think you're on the right track as far as everything else. You made the paddle path smooth, you've sealed the "can" at the gasket, you've check the filter. I bet replacing the grease will get you in flapping.
By the way, if you aren't getting smooth action on the bench, it will be even worse when you hook up the linkages and arms. Don't bother reassembling until you get smooth action on the bench.
...and speaking of linkages, use that grease gun or lithium grease to lube up the joints/attachment points from the motor to the arms. They need lubrication too, to allow smooth operation.
Bill
Last edited by TxLaTx; 03/22/2011 1:48 PM.
