1950 TO-20 Ferguson Tractor - gas with lead additive needed? Oil?

[Kwendt]

Hi everyone... Have a 'new to me' Ferguson 1950 TO-20, Continental Z-120 gasoline engine: 4-cylinder 8-valve, liquid-cooled inline overhead valve. Marvel Schebler TSX updraft carburetor. This thing is garage kept, starts on a dime (after charging the battery). And will be the working tractor for most of my field work this year. Thing is... I don't know a thing about old tractors.

So my questions for 1950 gray menace Fergie owners:

1. Lead additive needed? Back in the 50's, gas was leaded acted as a lubricant, right? So do I need to add some sort of lead additive to each tank of gas in the Fergie? If so, how much and what kind/brand, etc.?

2. Oil for this thing: it takes 6 qts... what would you suggest for type/kind/brand of oil. How often should I change the oil, filter, air cleaner and such... got a good 'rule of thumb'?

3. Any recommendations for an override clutch? Quick connect hitch systems or other additives?

Thanks to any and all comments, advise...etc.

 

[oldpilgrim]

So my questions for 1950 gray menace Fergie owners:

1. Lead additive needed? Back in the 50's, gas was leaded acted as a lubricant, right? So do I need to add some sort of lead additive to each tank of gas in the Fergie? If so, how much and what kind/brand, etc.?

No additive needed....use whatever gas is cheapest

2. Oil for this thing: it takes 6 qts... what would you suggest for type/kind/brand of oil. How often should I change the oil, filter, air cleaner and such... got a good 'rule of thumb'?


use any kind of standard oil...not synth or synth blend as you could develop gasket leaks in an older engine. Any standard oil will be better than what was available 60 years ago. I changed the oil/filter every year.

3. Any recommendations for an override clutch? Quick connect hitch systems or other additives?


can't help you here...sorry

Thanks to any and all comments, advise...etc.

I had a 1952 TO30 for 20 years and worked it like crazy...tough machine. Good luck with yours.

 

[RickB]

Today's Diesel rated engine oils are better for old school solid lifter engines than modern day engine oils with an API 'S' rating only. Pick an oil with the proper viscosity for your climate (15W-40 works for 90% of North America but 10W-30 might be a better choice for Maine) and an API service rating of CH or higher. Lead additives are a waste of money.

 

[oldpilgrim]

Today's Diesel rated engine oils are better for old school solid lifter engines than modern day engine oils with an API 'S' rating only. Pick an oil with the proper viscosity for your climate (15W-40 works for 90% of North America but 10W-30 might be a better choice for Maine) and an API service rating of CH or higher. Lead additives are a waste of money.

I forgot to mention viscosity:

I always use 10-30 in all my non synth engines. I feel this allows the engine to turn over a little easier in real cold weather, especially if you still use the 6 volt system.

 

[RickB]

I forgot to mention viscosity:

I always use 10-30 in all my non synth engines. I feel this allows the engine to turn over a little easier in real cold weather, especially if you still use the 6 volt system.

True, but if a particular engine has a little more than optimum bearing clearances, a thicker oil may be called for. I have changed from 15W-40 to 10W-30 for my two diesels and they both start better in cold weather.

 

[buickanddeere]

Todays engines last longer than the engines until the 1970's. The reason why? No lead in the gasoline to cause deposits, sludge and wear.

 

[Kwendt]

I forgot to mention viscosity:

I always use 10-30 in all my non synth engines. I feel this allows the engine to turn over a little easier in real cold weather, especially if you still use the 6 volt system.

Yes, it still has the 6 volt system... Thanks. Appreciate it everyone!

 

[oldpilgrim]

True, but if a particular engine has a little more than optimum bearing clearances, a thicker oil may be called for. I have changed from 15W-40 to 10W-30 for my two diesels and they both start better in cold weather.

If the bearings are worn, just check the oil gauge when it's warm. That will tell you if you need a thicker oil.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I agree with the others. Just regular gas and non synthetic 10W30 or 15W40 diesel rated oil with a "S" rating.

Chris

 

[buickanddeere]

The only time leaded gasoline is a good idea is before parking the maxhine for months . Is to drain all the ethanol fuel out. And fill the tank with 100LL aviation fuel then run the engine to fill the carb.
Aviation fuel does not make gum, varnish, doesn't disolve plastic and rubber and doesn't attack metal.