Oil & Fuel Need tips for 2538 oil change and fuel filter upgrade

[karltinsly]

I'm new to tractors and am coming up on 50 hours on my 2538 HST. I normally pay to have the oil changed in my cars, but have decided to do the tractor service myself, since it's so expensive (well over $300 just for the filters and oil). I have a couple of questions for those who have done this kind of stuff before.

Do I need to keep the waste oil and hydraulic fluid separate for disposal? I plan to use two different 15 gallon drain pans, so it should be easy to keep them separate for this first one, but I wanted to find out if it's necessary, for future reference.

I would like to add an external clear fuel filter, as I've seen in a couple of other threads. Can someone recommend a specific filter, or at least let me know what size the fuel lines are, so I get the right size barbs?

I plan to buy the filters from the dealer, drain pans from amazon, and the fluids at TSC. I've got basic hand tools - are there any other tools you would recommend? Filter wrench? Long funnels?

Thanks for any guidance.

 

[dickfoster]

I'm new to tractors and am coming up on 50 hours on my 2538 HST. I normally pay to have the oil changed in my cars, but have decided to do the tractor service myself, since it's so expensive (well over $300 just for the filters and oil). I have a couple of questions for those who have done this kind of stuff before.

Do I need to keep the waste oil and hydraulic fluid separate for disposal? I plan to use two different 15 gallon drain pans, so it should be easy to keep them separate for this first one, but I wanted to find out if it's necessary, for future reference.

I would like to add an external clear fuel filter, as I've seen in a couple of other threads. Can someone recommend a specific filter, or at least let me know what size the fuel lines are, so I get the right size barbs?

I plan to buy the filters from the dealer, drain pans from amazon, and the fluids at TSC. I've got basic hand tools - are there any other tools you would recommend? Filter wrench? Long funnels?

Thanks for any guidance.

Where I recycle all of my used oil it all goes into the same tank whether it's motor oil, hydraulic oil or heavy gear lube. Get yourself a good filter wrench because Mahindra paints them on at the factor and they can be a real bear to get off. Especially since the location and accessability is not so service friendly. You'll see what I mean when you get to it. BTW I use full synthetic motor oils. It costs a little more but in my estimation it's well worth it. When you get to the hydraulic oil I use the traveler premium stuff from tractor supply. According to the label it's approved for Mahindra. The manual says hydraulic filter at 50 and the fluid at 100 but that doesn't make any sense as the fluid drains out when you remove the filter. DUH! So I just did both of em. At the least you'd make a mess attempting to change the filter with all the oil still in it.

 

[karltinsly]

The manual says hydraulic filter at 50 and the fluid at 100 but that doesn't make any sense as the fluid drains out when you remove the filter.

Thanks for the advice! I've ordered what I hope is a good filter wrench. My manual says to change transmission fluid and filter at the same time - they're the same line item - at 50 and then every 500 hours after that.

Wish I had bought the fluid at TSC last month, when it was on sale. I will go with the premium traveler.

Which synthetic is best?

 

[duffer]

If you plan on changing your engine oil every 100 hours, per recommendation, I've had good luck with Wix oil filters. Get them from Amazon or ebay. Much cheaper than the dealer (at least in my case). I use TS hydraulic fluid too.

One suggestion...the hydraulic fluid is so clear, that it's tough to tell in the viewing glass if you're full, or low on hydraulic fluid. I made a homemade dipstick for the reservoir to make sure I don't mis-read the fluid level. And be sure you put the cap back on the top of the reservoir. I didn't a while ago and it was VERY costly to replace it.

Welcome to the forum, and enjoy your 2538. I love mine. Works like a mule.

 

[3gunr]

I have a 2538 with about 40 hrs on it I bought my filters at oreillys. There both wix filters and they were much cheaper there. I also asked two different Mahindra dealers about changing hydro fluid at 50 hrs and was told they didn't do it until 100 hrs, that it was a waste of money

 

[davek78063]

I have a 2538 with about 40 hrs on it I bought my filters at oreillys. There both wix filters and they were much cheaper there. I also asked two different Mahindra dealers about changing hydro fluid at 50 hrs and was told they didn't do it until 100 hrs, that it was a waste of money

Make sure you loosen the frame rail (not sure if that is what it is really called). It blocks one of the hydro filters and you can't get it out. Loosen one end and remove the bolt for the other end and you should be able to get it out. I second the comment that the hydro fluid is nearly clear and hard to see through the glass. IIRC it takes like 8.5 gal so put in about 7 and then watch the glass. I entered like 8 and kept adding as I didn't realize it covered the glass and had to drain some before i figured it out. Not sure why they couldn't have just put in a dip stick.

 

[dickfoster]

Thanks for the advice! I've ordered what I hope is a good filter wrench. My manual says to change transmission fluid and filter at the same time - they're the same line item - at 50 and then every 500 hours after that.

Wish I had bought the fluid at TSC last month, when it was on sale. I will go with the premium traveler.

Which synthetic is best?

Currently I'm using Mobile 1 but any good synthetic of the proper weight and grade should do ya.

 

[YLee Kioti]

Thanks for the advice! I've ordered what I hope is a good filter wrench. My manual says to change transmission fluid and filter at the same time - they're the same line item - at 50 and then every 500 hours after that.

Wish I had bought the fluid at TSC last month, when it was on sale. I will go with the premium traveler.

Which synthetic is best?

This is what you need for those oil filters:
Vise Grip Locking Chain Clamp VG 27ZR | Buy Online - NAPA Auto Parts
Trust me do not buy the cheap big auto store cheapies.......i broke one in one tug of filter.
It took me five seconds or so with this one to loosen it up.

well worth it when you all set up busy working and dirty and oily and those others just won't get it done.
Hope its what you ordered...ha...

 

[YLee Kioti]

I'm new to tractors and am coming up on 50 hours on my 2538 HST. I normally pay to have the oil changed in my cars, but have decided to do the tractor service myself, since it's so expensive (well over $300 just for the filters and oil). I have a couple of questions for those who have done this kind of stuff before.

Do I need to keep the waste oil and hydraulic fluid separate for disposal? I plan to use two different 15 gallon drain pans, so it should be easy to keep them separate for this first one, but I wanted to find out if it's necessary, for future reference.

I would like to add an external clear fuel filter, as I've seen in a couple of other threads. Can someone recommend a specific filter, or at least let me know what size the fuel lines are, so I get the right size barbs?

I plan to buy the filters from the dealer, drain pans from amazon, and the fluids at TSC. I've got basic hand tools - are there any other tools you would recommend? Filter wrench? Long funnels?

Thanks for any guidance.

Here are some links for fuel water separators:
12AS - Diesel Fuel Filter/Water Separator | Hydradyne LLC

Diesel Fuel Filter Assemblies │Donaldson Engine & Vehicle

http://www.baldwinfilter.com/literature/english/6 dahl/Form4005.pdf

IF you plan on adding one of these you will need the specs on fuel flow rate for proper size unit. just thought of it...ok now I'm done..

I used the Baldwin series for my 7.3L ahead of the main fuel filter even when loaded and forgot to replace element still provided good service.

Oh yeah long funnels for reaching in and adding engine oil and Hyd. oils. lots of blue shopping towels and while your ordering don't mind if I spend your money 4 you do yah?
This will put a smile on your face when yah gotta grease up the FEL and your cutter: Amazon.com: LockNLube Grease Gun Coupler - Zerk Grease Coupler Fitting Tip - Easy Lock-on, Clip-off - Stays on - Grease goes in, not on the machine: Automotive

Sounds like your all geared up have fun...

 

[JerryK]

Should start looking for a couple 5 gallon oil drain pans on sale. I bought two at my local auto store on sale. Here is a link to one on ebay. Lots of different styles and colors out there. I can't remember how much I paid, but it was way south of $20 a pan.... so a sale is the way to go. Don't know how much your particular common sump capacity is, but both my HST's are around 10 gallons.

11845 Oil Drain Pan, 5 Gallon Capacity 81773926 | eBay