Oil & Filter change now or later?

[speedracer2020]

Hello all. I am still new to tractors and diesel engines so please bear with me. I am at the end of my mowing season (only brush hog 3 pastures) so no winter use. These mowing's account for about 30~40 hours/year. The tractor is a JD 2040 3 cylinder diesel. I am debating whether to: (a) change out the current oil (still looks brand new when viewed on the dipstick) and filter, run for several minutes to circulate it within the engine, then new oil sits in the engine over the winter and it's ready to use in the Spring; (b) leave the current oil/filter in the engine over the winter and then warm up and change in the Spring; (c) since I don't put that many hours on the engine and the oil looks brand new perhaps change out the filter come Spring and use the current oil for one more season. Not an economic issue the cost of oil and a filter is FAR LESS expensive than any repair caused by NOT making the correct course of action. Thanks for your opinions and thoughts.

 

[RalphVa]

Still under warranty; I guess; so you have to follow what the manual says.

Otherwise, I'd go hours rather than time. That's what I'm doing on all vehicles (e.g. miles on them instead of hours) now with covid and not using that much. Also going multi years on the Isuzu diesel generator.

 

[speedracer2020]

Thanks for your reply. NOT UNDER any warranty. The tractor is 1977.

 

[Roadworthy]

I don't know nor do I have any way of measuring but have read it's best to change oil in the fall as acids and stuff can build up in your used oil and work on the engine in the winter. A fresh oil change in the fall will help prevent this. Since I'm liable to use the tractor intermittently through the winter I change in the spring.

 

[big bubba]

1977? with a tractor that old & w/o service log, i'd also be looking at changing hyd fluid/filter as well

 

[diesel85]

I do hours on all my equipment including my trucks. I don't mess with miles or what not. I've been doing this for decades with no problems or ill effects.

Other folks mileage might vary, but this is my own experience.

 

[mcfarmall]

Change the oil and let it sit all winter. My dad changed the oil in the Farmall C every 5 years or so and when I inherited it, the oil pan started leaking oil through the paint. Upon removing the pan and inspecting, I saw the bottom pitted from acid attack and had to install a used oil pan. I vowed going forward that the oil is to be changed every fall regardless of hours.

 

[Hay Dude]

You can get a lot of differing opinions on when to change oil. Sometimes low hours used/occasional use allows oil to completely drain leaving the upper part unlubricated for wear on starts.
It can also depend on what you do when its running.Do you putt around the yard at low speed, or rev to max and run it to its max capacity, etc.
Generally, I go by hours, duty, and ”feel” for what the tractor or truck has been doing. The owners manual is simply a guide. You’ll see most owners manuals recommend similar intervals.
When in doubt, as you are, change it. It’s a small expense and gets you more familiar with your tractor.

 

[newbury]

Hello all. I am still new to tractors and diesel engines so please bear with me. I am at the end of my mowing season (only brush hog 3 pastures) so no winter use. These mowing's account for about 30~40 hours/year. The tractor is a JD 2040 3 cylinder diesel. I am debating whether to: (a) change out the current oil (still looks brand new when viewed on the dipstick) and filter, run for several minutes to circulate it within the engine, then new oil sits in the engine over the winter and it's ready to use in the Spring; (b) leave the current oil/filter in the engine over the winter and then warm up and change in the Spring; (c) since I don't put that many hours on the engine and the oil looks brand new perhaps change out the filter come Spring and use the current oil for one more season. Not an economic issue the cost of oil and a filter is FAR LESS expensive than any repair caused by NOT making the correct course of action. Thanks for your opinions and thoughts.

If this is your first oil change on the tractor then do it now and get a Used Oil Analysis.
This will:
Run you through the procedure
Let you get a "baseline" on the engine, check for metal etc.

 

[oosik]

I do mine in the fall - every other year. My heaviest tractor use can be in the winter - snow removal.

 

[Sberry]

Since its a 1977 tractor and getting low hours you would never need to change it again with modern oil.

 

[EddieWalker]

I change my oil and filters in the Spring when I'm getting ready to use them again. Once I park everything in the Fall, it will sit for months. That period of time where it's sitting is when condensation forms inside the engine. I don't put enough hours on anything to justify changing the oil from use, but sitting all winter causes more harm to the oil then summer mowing.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

IF, it was my tractor, I'd change it every other year in the fall...

SR

 

[Zebrafive]

If it were new to me, I'd do the first oil change in the fall (my tractors so no winter use).
After that go by hours.
If you still want to change oil every fall with low hours, I would remove and drain the filter, and reinstall at the oil change. I would change filter by hours.

If you change the hydraulic fluid, there is a sump screen that should be cleaned. If your shift boots are torn, this is an entry point for water in the hydraulic system.
If your draft shaft (lower 3pt arms attach to) seals are leaking, ideal time to replace is when hydraulic fluid is drained.