1963 Ford 2000 gas tractor engine oil

Des · Jul 8, 2014

I did an oil and filter change on the tractor and put 15 40 oil in it. A few sources recommended that weight oil. Before the oil change I had 38 -40 psi at idle on a warm engine. With the 15 40 oil it is now 58 psi warm at idle. I believe it would be better of with a 30 weight or less but wanted to know what everyone else is using. I am located in the Tidewater area of Virginia so have relatively mild winters but 95+ summers. Tractor is lightly utilized.

Thanks

Sean in PA · Jul 8, 2014

I'm not sure what you mean by "I believe it would be better of with a 30 weight or less". Are you saying that you think that 58 psi is too high?

Will Gumbert · Jul 8, 2014

I would think the 15-40 oil would be alright for the
summer where it is pretty hot, but you might want to
change it to something lighter before next winter.
I use 10-30 or 10-40 here in western MD all year and
either seems OK. -Will

Des · Jul 8, 2014

(quoted from post at 21:44:12 07/08/14) I'm not sure what you mean by "I believe it would be better of with a 30 weight or less". Are you saying that you think that 58 psi is too high?

To me that is high pressure at idle. As engine speeds increases the oil pressure raises a bit more. I always remember a GM engine performance engineer stating a stock small block had adequate oil pressure at idle of 8psi. I do not know what the pressure should be in the tractor but was concerned over the increase.

Fordfarmer · Jul 8, 2014

I would not be concerned about that being too high.
I think they made 60 psi at idle when new. Tractor
engines are quite a bit different than small block
V8's.
15W40 should be good for you, year-round. That's
what I run all year, in northern WI.

Mike Groom · Jul 8, 2014

You have great oil pressure,that means your engine tolerances are good,quit bragging and enjoy your tractor!

souNdguy · Jul 8, 2014

15w40 is an ideal oil weight for your temp ranges.

15w40 is also usually a S/C rated oil.. making it superior to say.. a 10w40 S only rated oil which would be your next choice. There are 10w40 S/C rated oils for more $$

assuming your oil gauge is correct ( i wouldn't without verifying it ).. I would not worry much.

I have also found that filter type can make some small difference in oil pressures.

since you went to a higher weight oil.. it's not uncommon to pick up a few psi pressure .

overall.. I would not worry. i have tight engines that start at 62-63 psi col throttle.. and settle down to 50's hot.

I have claptraps that start 42 cold throttle and drop to 22 hot idle.. and they rattle so much and are so loose you'd think they'd fly apart. yet they mow every week.

Little Billy · Jul 8, 2014

"I believe it would be better of with a 30 weight or less".

You're thinking that the '40' in 15W40 is heavier? Nay !

You hafta understand what the "15W-40" actually stands for....

The FIRST number - 15 - is the viscosity of the oil in the bottle
The 'W' stands for 'winter'

The '40' is the intended viscosity of the oil WHEN HOT.

So essentially it's 15 weight oil that has the capability through additives
to give 40 weight protection when the engine is running at temperature.

As mentioned, your pressure indicates a nice tight engine,
with no slop in the bearings, You're fine !!

.

1963 Ford 2000 gas tractor engine oil

Des

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Sean in PA

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Will Gumbert

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Des

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Fordfarmer

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Mike Groom

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souNdguy

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Little Billy

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