Ferguson TO30 Oil Grade

DocHolliday

New User
I just took over as Head Volunteer Groundskeeper at the local VFW, and I bought a 1951 Ferguson TO30 to get the job done. I went to check the oil today and it was Blacker than sludge. I'm suprised the motor hasn't locked up. Now I have to mow 10 acres pulling a 75" woods finishing mower along with my own 5 acre property. What weight oil should I run? I'm leaning torwards Mobil 1 10W-30 (same as I run in my truck) but I don't know if theres a special weight made by MF for their line of Tractors. Thanks!
 
Most people run 15-45 and that is what I use. Probably when it was new 30 wt.If you are in a colder area the thinner may work better if your running it when very cold.If it's worn very much from not servicing then the 15-45 will work better.
 
I wouldn't run a synthetic like Mobil 1 in it, the synthetic may not be compatible with the old seals then it may start leaking oil. I'd suggest running Shell Rotella 15w40 oil, I've had good results with it.
 
I agree,
Synthetic oil is good for new engines,
But it has a great cleaning package that will clean off built up sludge that lives in old engines,
This sludge can get into oil lines and ruin the motor,

Just change the oil and filter, I use shell rotella 15w40 in my old tractor, the type diesel oil still has zinc additive which is good for old tractor
engines,

Also check the air filter oil cup, it may be in bad shape too!
 
I use 10W40 in our TO-30. I tried using 15W40 and it was a little harder to start in cold weather so I went back to 10W40. Spec calls for 30W and that will work too. Changing it regularly is more important that using 30W, 10W30, 10W40 or 15W40.
 
As the original question has been well answered, I'd like to add that the cup under the air cleaner takes 30wt non detergent oil. They often get neglected.

Aaron
 

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