Lodestar Protector The Lodestar Protector should operate for the normal life   of   the   hoist   without   service.      The   device   has   been lubricated and calibrated at the factory for a specific model of Lodestar  hoist  and  is  not  adjustable  or  interchangeable  with other models.  For proper overload protection be sure before installing a protector that it is correct for the unit. The  spring  washer  of  the  Protector  has  been  color  coded  at the factory as follows: Lodestar Lodestar Protector Models Color Code A, A-2 White AA, AA-2 Light Blue B, B-2, E, E-2 White C, C-2 Orange F, F-2, H, H-2 Orange J, J-2 Red JJ, JJ-2 White Green L, L-2 Green LL, LL-2 Yellow R, R-2 Green RR, RR-2 Yellow WARNING : THE CM LODESTAR PROTECTOR IS NOT TO BE  DISASSEMBLED.    The  spring  washer  of  the  Protector  is under  high  compression  and  removing  the  snap  ring  holding the clutch assembly together could allow this washer to spring the parts out. Load Chain CLEANING AND INSPECTION First  clean  the  load  chain  with  a  non-acid  solvent then  slack  the  chain  and  make  a  link-by-link  inspection  for nicks, gouges, twisted links, stretching and excessive wear, in particular, observe the bearing surface between links.  If any of  these  conditions  exist  the  load  chain  must  be  replaced. Chain   should   be   gaged   throughout   its   entire   length   and replaced if beyond serviceable limits. Figure 12. CAUTION Before  installing  new  load  chain  the  unit  must  be disassembled  to  allow  inspection  for  damage  or  wear,  and replacement   if   required,   of   mating   parts   (liftwheel,   chain guides, motor and gear housings). There  is  no  safe  substitute  for  CM  Alloy  load  chain because of size requirements and physical properties.  These chains  are  specially  heat  treated  and  hardened  and  should always be returned to the factory for repair. When installing new load chain or mating parts refer to  lubrication  instructions  for  chain  guides,  liftwheel,  lower sheave wheel and load chain on page 16. GAGING LOAD CHAIN WEAR To  determine  if  load  chain  should  be  continued  in service, check gage lengths as indicated in Figure 12.  Chain worn   beyond   length   indicated,   nicked,   gouged   or   twisted should  be  replaced  before  returning  hoist  to  service.    Chain should   be   clean,   free   of   twists   and   pulled   taut   before measuring.    In  cases  where  the  wear  is  localized  and  not beyond serviceable limits, it is sometimes possible to reverse the load chain, end for end, and allow a new section to take the   wear.      Removal   and   installation   of   the   load   chain   is covered  in  subsequent  paragraphs.  To  aid  in  gaging  load chain for wear, a chain gage can be obtained from the factory. CUTTING CHAINS CM Alloy load chain has a hard long-wearing surface and  is  difficult  to  cut.    However,  the  following  methods  are recommended when cutting a length of new chain from stock or cutting off a length of worn chain. 1. Use  a  7  inch  minimum  diameter  by  1/8  inch  thick abrasive wheel (of type recommended by wheel supplier) that will clear adjacent links. 2. Use a grinder and nick the link on both sides (Figure 13A),  then  secure  the  link  in  a  vise  and  break  off  with  a hammer (Figure 13B). 3. Use  a  bolt  cutter  (Figure  13C)  similar  to  the  H.    K. Porter  No.    4  with  special  cutter  jaws  for  cutting  carburized chain (1 inch long cutting edge). WARNING--LINK MAY FLY WHEN CUT. An acetylene cutting torch can be used.  The flame must clear adjacent links so as not to destroy the hardness properties. Max. Gage Dia. of No. Length Chain of Allowable Stock Links Used Chain Models (inches) to Gage (Inches) A thru H .250 19 14 13/16 A-2 thru H-2 J thru RR J-2 thru RR-2 .312 21 18 7/8 14