Newbie Tractor Owner Gets An Old Diesel Tractor, recommendations for engine oil

[KilroyJC]

The manual has temperature- based recommendations for straight-weight oils.
— SAE 30 for 80F+
— SAE 20 for 32F to 80F
— SAE 10 for -20f to 32F
— (I am staying in bed if I need the SAE 5...)

What are you using for your tractors? The bulk of my use will hopefully all be above freezing...

Thank you!

 

[bmaverick]

The manual has temperature- based recommendations for straight-weight oils.
— SAE 30 for 80F+
— SAE 20 for 32F to 80F
— SAE 10 for -20f to 32F
— (I am staying in bed if I need the SAE 5...)

What are you using for your tractors? The bulk of my use will hopefully all be above freezing...

Thank you!

Question, what is the print date of the manual?

Many manuals since the late 80s & 90s updated with the multi-grade engine oils.

Since no tractor was mentioned, it's not easy to comment.

 

[KilroyJC]

1960 Case 430, manual is 65-66

 

[RjCorazza]

You may have a difficult time finding straight weight diesel oil, and would be totally unnecessary anyway.
Pick a multi viscosity oil that meets your yearly temperature ranges, like 0w30, 5w30, 10w30. I have no idea what the API oil classifications were back in the 60's, but they are certainly superseded by now. CH4, CI4, CJ4, and CK4 are current, and backwards compatible to your machine.
I use 0w40 in my equipment, and 0w30 in my vehicles.

 

[Roadworthy]

One consideration not mentioned is detergent versus non detergent oils. If you use a detergent oil to replace an older non detergent deposits can wash away leaving things pretty loose inside. I don't know when detergent oils came into being but there's another piece of research for you.

 

[KilroyJC]

One consideration not mentioned is detergent versus non detergent oils. If you use a detergent oil to replace an older non detergent deposits can wash away leaving things pretty loose inside. I don't know when detergent oils came into being but there's another piece of research for you.

the worst part is that my tractor does not have an hour meter (!!!) so I will be ordering one from Northern Hydraulics for going forward, but it doesn’t help me with any idea of previous life and use...

 

[LouNY]

I would use a 15-40 oil, my preference would be a synthetic.
But on a new to me old tractor I would be likely to do a couple of short hour oil and filter changes,
in case the engine is a bit gunked up.

 

[LouNY]

Does your tractor have a tachometer in the dash?
The hourmeter should be in the lower center of it.

 

[KilroyJC]

Does your tractor have a tachometer in the dash?
The hourmeter should be in the lower center of it.

“Should” is such a pesky word. . .

 

[KilroyJC]

“Should” is such a pesky word. . .

But dig the awesome logo in there!