New Owner - Oil filter/oil change question

I bought my TO-20 last year. What a beast! Fired right up after sitting all winter. Love it!

I have a slow dripping leak from the 5 or so inch diameter access plate on the bottom of the oil pan. I cranked down on the bolt holding it in place, that slowed the dripping down but did not stop it. It drips constantly enough to require attention. This may or may not be caused by me driving over a smaller sized tree when my steering stopped turning me at the last second...

Is my understanding correct, that this plate houses the oil filter??? I am not familiar with that design.....

Its time for an oil change anyways, so I'd like to replace the oil/filter/ and whatever gasket fits that access plate all at once. Can anyone recommend a source for those items? I have found these links here, but I am not sure if this is the gasket I need?

http://www.yesterdaystractors.com/1750269M1_Oil-Filter-Gasket_22770.htm

The oil filter says it comes with a gasket - but I assume there's a gasket for the filter and another for the access plate?http://www.yesterdaystractors.com/Ferguson-TO20_Oil-Filter_APN6731B.html

The manual I found online says it takes 6 quarts, but also to add another quart when changing the filter... so that makes 7 quarts...is that right?

It also says to "shellac" the filter gasket to the cover plate to prevent leaks. Shellac - like the wood finish? Never heard of that one.....

Sorry for so many questions! Much obliged.

That is the correct gasket for the cover plate. You won't need the gasket that comes with the oil filter, as that same filter is used in many different applications, some of which use the gasket. (Order a few extra cover plate gaskets while you're at it - more on that below.)

I'm pretty sure I use a total of six quarts of oil, even when changing the filter.

The "shellac" mentioned in the Manual is something like Indian Head (brand) Gasket Shellac, made by Permatex. That's an old school product, which I tried for this application, without much luck. (It's also impossible to clean off of the rubber gasket, so you'll need to use one of the extra gaskets you ordered.)

I ended up using a VERY thin film of black RTV to seal the cover plate-gasket-oil pan.

You may also need to replace the sealing washers on the drain plug and center bolt.

When you have it all back together, just add a small amount of oil first, to see if you have the drip stopped. (Don't ask.) And, leave a container underneath it.

If you haven't had the cover/filter off since you've owned the tractor, you may find some interesting things - please report back.

There are a number of threads on this topic in the archives.

Good luck!

(quoted from post at 13:29:43 04/25/17) That is the correct gasket for the cover plate. You won't need the gasket that comes with the oil filter, as that same filter is used in many different applications, some of which use the gasket. (Order a few extra cover plate gaskets while you're at it - more on that below.)

I'm pretty sure I use a total of six quarts of oil, even when changing the filter.

The "shellac" mentioned in the Manual is something like Indian Head (brand) Gasket Shellac, made by Permatex. That's an old school product, which I tried for this application, without much luck. (It's also impossible to clean off of the rubber gasket, so you'll need to use one of the extra gaskets you ordered.)

I ended up using a VERY thin film of black RTV to seal the cover plate-gasket-oil pan.

You may also need to replace the sealing washers on the drain plug and center bolt.

When you have it all back together, just add a small amount of oil first, to see if you have the drip stopped. (Don't ask.) And, leave a container underneath it.

If you haven't had the cover/filter off since you've owned the tractor, you may find some interesting things - please report back.

There are a number of threads on this topic in the archives.

Good luck!

Click to expand...

Thanks for all your help! So I need that gasket and oil filter I linked too, but likely wont use the gasket that comes with the oil filter...

Where do you get the o rings for the drain plug?

Great tip on only putting in a little bit of oil!

Lots of reading here. I am sure besides what Tom has mentioned this can help to get you all mixed up. LOL
changing oil/oil filter on TO 20