Lets talk about oil bath filters

I need to replace the filters in my MF135 and Ford 3000 (i know this is the wrong forum, but i think all oil baths are pretty much the same). When i remove the pan, i'm assuming its full of oil, which will require a balancing act to not make a mess. From the manuals i have there is a pre filter then a primary filter. I would like to replace both. I know it wont be cheap, but cheaper than a new engine. What oil do i need to fill it with. Also do i just pull out the pan (bath part) drain out the oil, replace the filters, refill with oil then install or am i missing something? I dont want to get out to the farm and not have a clue as to what i am doing.

Why do you have to remove the pan? Mine has a drain and only the plug and filter assembly need removal?

Loosen the the clamp that holds the bottom pan while holding the pan with the other hand. You might have to twist the pan back and forth to slide it off. There is only oil about 1/4 of the way up the pan so it shouldn't make a mess unless you tilt it sideways. It will probably be stamped on the pan where the oil level is. Do not fill it above the line or it could get sucked into the engine. There are mesh filters above the pan that are kind of like the mesh pot scrubbers. They usually don't have to be replaced. Dump the old oil out and then you'll probably have to take a putty knife or something to scrape out all the compacted dirt in the pan. This is normal unless you clean it all the time. The dirt settles in the oil. Fill the pan to the line (some have a ridge where the oil is filled to) with new engine oil. 10-30 or 15-40 would be fine. If you use too thin of oil, it might get sucked up into the screens. Very cheap maintenance. I think you're confusing the air filter with fuel filters for a diesel. Then there could be a primary and secondary filter. Fuel filters aren't expensive either but on a diesel you have to bleed air out before the engine will start again. Hope this helps. It sounds like you haven't owned your tractors for very long. Dave

I assumed you were talking about oil bath air cleaners. A cartridge oil filter will be full of oil. Maybe you can clarify what oil bath filters you're talking about. Dave

I just looked at your earlier post. I think you are talking about fuel filters now. Best to have someone show you how to change them and then bleed the system. They are full of diesel, not oil. Big Deans site or the archives on here explain how to bleed the system but it's still best to have someone show you. One air bubble will stop the engine from starting. It can be very frustrating if you've never done it before. Dave

I understand now. You meant the oil bath on the air cleaner. I mis-understood and thought you meant the engine oil filter.

I usually have a big, thick rag to put under the upper air filter wire mesh when I removethe lower oil bath to replace the oil....not too messy then.

sorry, i meant to type air filter. I have replaced the fuel filters with no problems, but have not messed with the air filter. I wasnt sure if there was an element that sat inside the filter housing, or what was inside. So do i need to use diesel rated oil or is just plain engine oil fine?

No, it doesn't need to be diesel rated oil. 10-30 or 10-40 would be fine. It's not very critical as long as oil is in the pan. I've heard that using a straight 10 weight oil might be a little thin but don't know for sure. I always just used whatever I put in the engine. Dave

Just use the same oil you use in the engine. Keeps it simple, and that's what they recomend.

Donovan from Wisconsin

BIG DEANS SITE ? ARCHIVES ? I AM NEW HERE WHERE DO I FIND THESE?