851-D advice and help

Actually, is an 841, not 851. I had bought the 841-D with PS, just to pull the PS for an 861. Before I did that my plans changed and I sold the 861 and now have a friend that is interested in the 841-D. I really know next to nothing about diesels. Didn't order books because there was no plan to keep it. So, some advice would be appreciated:

Nothing has been done to the 841-D, other than a new battery. Starts fine. Smokes, of course, but I don't know if it is excessive. Looks like just shy of 20 lbs of oil pressure (not yet verified with another gauge). Engine oil looks very clean. Fuel is NOT fresh, but low. So, I just added a couple of gallons to make sure I didn't run out. PS does not seem to be providing any assist. That may mean just needs fluid, or something more.

Since this is for a friend:

1: What would you do to make sure the fuel system is ready to work? I see a couple of inline fuel filters on the lines. Reckon I could replace them for good measure.

2: Suggestions on the PS unit? I'm not sure about the proper fluid level. I seem to recall that I just make sure it is topped off. And, is the 134-D standard hydraulic fluid suitable for that?

3: Does the less that 20 lbs engine oil pressure seem excessively low for a diesel 841 on startup? I can verify pressure and change engine oil with Rotella, if that is wise. Figured I would get it out and work it to see what happens. Oh, I know the tires/wheels are mounted backward. PO did that. I will change them and look at the brakes while at it.

Any other advise before I tell him it is ready?

20# is LOW for a diesel. You could try changing the oil and
filter, but it should come up significantly if the bearing
clearances and oil pump are healthy. If it does come up a lot, it
may be worth checking to see if the injection pump is leaking
fuel into the crankcase.

20 psi on a red tiger is excessively low.

verify that with another guage.

make sur eit is not running mostly diesel in the block.

inline fuel filtes ? scabbed on?

does it not have a filter head with a cartridge fuel fitler installed?

ps sump is small.. will drink just about any oil from 10 to 30 w utf, hyd, engine oil. atf. heck. even power steering fluid.

most of us stick utf in. etc.

I'll double check the filters. Out of town now so will be a few days.

My Duramax makes 60 pounds or more on start or under load but will drop to 30 after it is warmed up and it runs flawlessly and uses a quart of oil every five thousand miles under heavy load (livestock trailer). That oil use is trivial.

I've got a Deere 2440 that seems smoky if you're inside the barn but it, too, runs like a sewing machine. I only put 100 hours a year on the machine. As far as I'm concerned, it'll be some years before I worry about a rebuild.

My view is rebuild a diesel when it is actually using a significant amount of oil...like you would a car engine. A quart in 1000 miles is nothing. A quart in 300 miles starts you thinking. A quart in 100 miles and you're shopping for a rebuild kit if you use the machine much. Otherwise, some oil use on an otherwise sound tractor is nothing. A quart or three every summer is a lot cheaper than a kit.

On the other hand, if it is a hobby tractor...rebuild it just for "therapy"! It is cheap fun if you are into that sort of thing (I am).