1940 John Deere H

Keith Nebel · Jul 7, 2018

I bought my engine oil from local auto parts store. I asked for SAE 30 non detergent. Once I got it home I noticed it read. Hydraulic and
compressor oil. The brand is Wolfs Head. It also mentions "it may be used where a high quality, ISO VG 100 / SAE 30 non detergent oil is
recomended". Is this the correct oil? The fact it reads hydraulic and compressor oil has me wondering.
Thanks Keith

dan_41jdh · Jul 7, 2018

Yes. Here's info from the Wolfs Head website: "Wolfs Head Hydraulic and Compressor Oil - Non-Detergent Motor Oil is a high quality mineral crankcase engine oil and general purpose oil. While modern applications are mostly in small compressor and hydraulic systems, Wolfs Head Non-Detergent Motor oil is built from high-quality mineral base stocks and may be used in crankcase engine applications wherever API SA/SB monograde >oil is recommended."

dan_41jdh · Jul 7, 2018

Should add that although that oil will certainly work OK, keep in mind it's only straight mineral oil, probably not much better than the stuff used in the 1930's and earlier for motor oil. Modern motor oils have lots of additives such as antiwear additives, dispersants, detergents, and corrosion and oxidation inhibitors. If your engine is tired and is full of sludge from years of neglect, a non-detergent is probably best, but if it is a reasonably fresh engine, modern detergent oils are much, much, better and using those will extend the service life significantly.

David G · Jul 7, 2018

Most folks here use a 15W-40 Rotella or Delvac detergent oil in all equipment, and do not use the non detergent.

old · Jul 7, 2018

Why use non-detergent oil since it is likely unless you have owned that tractor since 1040 it is likely to have been run with the detergent type oil at some point and time. I use a 60W oil in my 1935 JD-B but it also burns oil and it has been in the family since 1940 and I know my grandfather would have run a detergent oil in it

Keith Nebel · Jul 7, 2018

Thanks guys. I don't think the oil has been changed for 10 years or so. The tractor has not had much use at all since then. When I drained the oil there was some sludge but more oil than sludge. I flushed it like the book says to and it looks clean now. I let it sit and drain for a few days. I think I'm going to use this oil this summer and then put the oil you guys recomended in the fall. The only thing I will be doing with it is ride it on the road maybe haul a wagon full of wood with it. I also changed filter.

1940 John Deere H

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