Changing the Oil inside Your Wacker Wp1540 & WP1550 Exciter

Every equipment owner knows the importance of changing the engine oil. It prolongs the life and maintains the performance of the engine. But did you know that the Exciter on your Wacker WP1540 & WP1550 plate compactor requires an oil change as well?

What is an Exciter?

There have been several terms thrown around to describe the Exciter. It’s been referred to as the shaker, transmission, vibrator box, etc., but the correct terminology is Exciter. The Exciter is the assembly that houses an eccentric shaft found in front of the compactor, and sometimes below the engine, depending on the compactor model. The Exciter’s eccentric shaft is driven via the drive belt, which is connected to the engine. This is what causes the plate compactor to vibrate and move.

Exciter Oil Change Information

Unlike most plate compactors, the WP1540 and WP1550 have a sealed Exciter, while most other brands and models have a drain and fill plug, along with a sight glass so the Exciter oil can be easily checked and maintained.

The WP1540 and WP1550 are not equipped with a drain and fill plug, nor a sight glass, giving the impression that the Exciter oil does not need to be replaced. However, Wacker suggests that you change the Exciter oil once per year, or every 300 hours of use. This procedure should only take one hour and can save your hundreds of dollars in replacement parts and downtime.

Below you’ll find the procedure on changing your Exciter oil. All that is required is 5 ounces of ATF (automatic transmission fluid).

Service Note: New style Wacker WP1540 and WP1550 plate compactors require 5.07OZ or .15L of 75w-90 gear oil. Using automatic transmission fluid with cause catastrophic damage to your exciter. New style plate compactors include:

• WP1540A - Item Number: 5100018328 - Revision 100 & 101
• WP1540AW - Item Number: 5100018327 - Revision 100 & 101
• WP1550A - Item Number: 5100018325 - Revision 100 & 101
• WP1550AW - Item Number: 5100018324 - Revision 100 & 101

Wacker WP1540 and WP1550 Exciter Lubrication

The exciter assembly is a self-contained, sealed unit. The bearings are lubricated using automatic transmission fluid (see Technical Data for type). Change fluid once every year or 300 hours of operation. When changing fluid, replace O-ring (a).

To change fluid:

• Remove beltguard, belt, and hose from water tank. 
• Remove four screws (b) securing console assembly to baseplate and lift console assembly from baseplate. 
• Remove end cover (c) from bearing exciter assembly. Outer bearing race will remain with cover. 
• Tip baseplate up and drain fluid from exciter assembly. Dispose of used fluid in an appropriate manner. Contact local recycling center. 
• Add 150 ml (5 ounces) of automatic transmission fluid to exciter housing and fasten end cover to exciter. Do not overfill exciter or bearings may overheat.
• Assemble console assembly to baseplate and install belt, beltguard, and hose to water tank.

If you've found that your Exciter is in need of parts, DHS Equipment has a complete line of Exciter rebuild parts including Exciter bearings, Exciter housings, Exciter repair kits, Exciter shaft seals, Exciter eccentric shafts, Exciter o-rings and the Exciter pulley. If you need additional parts support of have questions regarding the replacement of Exciter parts, please contact us, or call us toll free at 866-611-9369.