oil for old tractor

Randy1944

Member
I am getting ready to change oil in my John Deere Model 50 tractor. It was restored some years ago and I am just now getting it. Will the new synthetic oil cause the seals to leak? Should I just continue using the old specified 10W-40 oil? Thanks
 
With any flat tappet engine you should use a higher Zinc content oil,most of the diesel oils qualify,synthetic does not,if you use the newer 10-40 make sure you put a zinc additive or your camshaft will suffer.
 
(quoted from post at 15:46:29 01/15/19) With any flat tappet engine you should use a higher Zinc content oil,most of the diesel oils qualify,synthetic does not,if you use the newer 10-40 make sure you put a zinc additive or your camshaft will suffer.

Is this actually going to be an issue on an engine that runs at super low RPM and has presumably very low valve spring pressures (not sure what the spec is on typical 2 cylinders)?

I mean... I'm not arguing against it as it definitely won't hurt, but am curious if it has actually manifested as an issue or if this is just restating what the hot rod guys do.
 
(quoted from post at 23:19:15 01/15/19) The OP asked an honest question. Once again your wise a$$ reply didn't answer or help the OP.

Lighten up, are you getting grumpy with Cabin Fever already this winter ?
 
(quoted from post at 18:06:07 01/15/19) I am getting ready to change oil in my John Deere Model 50 tractor. It was restored some years ago and I am just now getting it. Will the new synthetic oil cause the seals to leak? Should I just continue using the old specified 10W-40 oil? Thanks


Thanks to everyone and especially for the useful info. Have a great day.
 
(quoted from post at 10:06:07 01/15/19) I am getting ready to change oil in my John Deere Model 50 tractor. It was restored some years ago and I am just now getting it. Will the new synthetic oil cause the seals to leak? Should I just continue using the old specified 10W-40 oil? Thanks

I think the most important thing is to use a good quality oil and change it frequently. My 50 is a parade and show tractor. I change it once at year to help keep the moisture and any gas that leaks in out, good luck with it
 
(quoted from post at 10:06:07 01/15/19) I am getting ready to change oil in my John Deere Model 50 tractor. It was restored some years ago and I am just now getting it. Will the new synthetic oil cause the seals to leak? Should I just continue using the old specified 10W-40 oil? Thanks

In order for an oil to earn an API certification, the levels of zinc and phosphates are regulated due to excessive levels of these potentially damaging the catalytic converters.

Mobil 1 0-40 European formula has about the highest allowable levels of these and still carry a cert.
Royal Purple HPS or XPS don't even try to get certs as their levels of these are significantly higher than allowed.
 
. The “what is the best oil “ question has become onnon going running joke . Any detergent oil on the shelf today is superior to the best motor oil form the mid 1950’s .
For not having cabine fever you appear some awful grumpy .
 
(quoted from post at 18:43:52 01/17/19) Well you finally gave the OP some useful information. Did you notice that earlier he thanked everyone that
provided "useful" info?

Considering the question he could have done a brief search.
 
(quoted from post at 19:00:50 01/17/19)
(quoted from post at 18:43:52 01/17/19) Well you finally gave the OP some useful information. Did you notice that earlier he thanked everyone that
provided "useful" info?

Considering the question he could have done a brief search.

C'mon guys.

Going back and forth isn't helpful to the OP either. The original call out of a non helpful post was no more helpful than the post it was calling out. This post right here isn't helpful! Let's all just get along!
 
The best is oil with a high Zinc content. Synthetic oil would be fine but may smoke or burn oil due to the low ring tension in old tractors. The rings may have a harder time controlling or scraping the oil in the cylinders.
 
That is not necessarily true, you need adequate zinc level, high is not necessarily better. High is only needed for engines with tappets and heavy springs or quick lift cams.
 

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