1950 JD B Oil Pump Drain?

Ayr Time · Oct 30, 2018

The oil pump on the 1950 JD B is the lowest point of the engine oil lube system. Moisture (condensation) collects here and if enough freezes, the oil pump drive shaft coupling will break when the engine turns over.
I plan to use the tractor in below freezing weather here in E Ontario for Maple Sugar Bush Tours.
I'm wondering if anyone has drilled, tapped and installed a drain in the cast cap of the oil pump?
I'd love to hear your comments and ideas.
Thanks in advance.
Richard in E Ontario.

Resting Relics 1 · Oct 31, 2018

Ayr Time,
Seems like an unnecessary project to me. Thousand of these tractors have been and are still being used in very cold climates without having what your proposing. A tractor that is regularly serviced will eliminate the water issue. If your having a problem you must be getting water into the crankcase from somewhere out of the norm. Be sure the tractor is stored in a manner to eliminate water infiltration from the outside and you should be fine. Good Luck!
John

teddy52food · Oct 31, 2018

Add a can or two of gas line HEET.

Mike(NEOhio) · Oct 31, 2018

You're more likely to get some water in the reduction gear. Do you drain and refill that? I have a '51 A that sits most of the time and never had a moisture problem with the crankcase, but I drain the reduction gear every couple of years and get an ounce or two of water. Late A and B had an air pump for crankcase ventilation that would take care of any condensation.

Ayr Time · Oct 31, 2018

Thanks for all the replies and assurances that moisture, given proper maintenance, shouldn't be a problem!

3 years ago, when I began this restoration, we broke the oil pump drive coupling, one very cold winter day, while attempting to turn the engine over by hand. Now granted, the B had been sitting outside for some 16 years, and so some moisture had accumulated and frozen in the gear pump.

Seeing all the condensation on the out side of all that cast metal, had me concerned for water accumulation.

The B has been in the family since new in 1950, and has survived some pretty harsh winters and used daily to spread manure, go to the wood lot etc.

Thanks once again for all of the input.
I'm finding this forum to be incredibly helpful.
Now, back to checking out the governor issue.
Richard

BushogPapa · Nov 1, 2018

Most of these lost the Shutters long ago..( you could NOT have them on and use a mounted corn picker, you could not clean the corn silk out if they were still on..so over-heating was an often problem..

So...it was very hard to get the tractor up to "Operating Temp", inviting condensation..

leaving the radiator water level 2" below the "Dam" will force it to run some warmer..

MEANJDK · Nov 2, 2018

I understand what you're talking about. I drilled and tapped 1/8 NPT. Don't let the plug go too far in. Tap a little and test till it gets close. Works great for what you are asking. I kept my original cover. Run my B all winter long.

Ayr Time · Nov 2, 2018

Thanks MeanJDk.
That's exactly the modification I was considering. I was, however thinking,I'd remove the cast cap to drill and tap it as the gears of the pump run on the surface of the cap.
Thanks, Richard

MEANJDK · Nov 3, 2018

Yes! Dont do it on the tractor!
I had purchased a used cover and done it on the bench. That way, if you have an extra hand installing it, the gears wont drop down. If they do drop, you will have to open the top up. IF the coupler comes undone.

1950 JD B Oil Pump Drain?

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