New member & new owner of LP Jetstar 3 questions

LPJetstar3 · Jul 23, 2019

Hi everyone. Just this morning I bought a 1964 propane Jetstar 3, I don't know anything about them and stumbled on this website. I've ran old farmalls, fords, john deeres, and newer import tractors, but this is my first experience with a MM and first experience with an LP tractor.

I'm curious what the proper procedure is for switching from running vapor to liquid; how long I let it warm up first, and if I do it running or shut it off first.

I also need to find out what kind of engine oil and hydraulic fluid I should be running, as I'd like to change all the fluids & filters before I work it much. My first guesses would be 15w40 and plain old tractor hydraulic fluid, but the fluid in it now is red. I will attempt to attach a picture of it and continue to browse this forum for more info.

ChrisQ · Jul 23, 2019

I'll take a shot at a few. Start on vapor, when up to operating temp, open liquid, then shut vapor. Do as it is running. If not working it you can just leave it on vapor. Best power and economy comes from liquid. When shutting off, allow to idle for a bit as normal, then shut the valves off to drain the lines. Let it run until it stalls, then shut off the key. Hydraulic oil is red because the previous owner used ATF, which was a recommended fluid. Drain and change to whatever you use in the rest of your tractors. Universal trans/hydraulic is fine. 15-40 is a little heavy for oil if you are using it in the cold, but should be fine in warmer temps.

LPJetstar3 · Jul 23, 2019

LPJetstar3 · Jul 23, 2019

Thank you. When I found it the vapor
valve was open and liquid was closed.
It seemed to start and run fine like
that, so I left them alone due to a
few experiences of propane valves
starting to leak after being turned
for the first time in ages. Now that
I got it home I can mess with it
without worrying. It was a trade in
at a JD dealer, they didn't know
anything about it and just wanted it
gone. Everything works except the
lights and tach, and I got it for a
couple hundred above scrap price.

<img
src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto30711.jpg">

<img
src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto30712.jpg">

MMDan · Jul 24, 2019

I have a U-302 Super LP that I have owned and used for 45 years. We grind feed with it (around 8 tons/week) and for other chores. We run vapor all the time and it works just fine on these smaller engines. They generate enough heat from the engine to keep the LP tank warm enough to keep the fuel vaporized. On the bigger engines like my G-955 or G-1000 Vista I do need to run liquid when pulling them hard. Having said that, when I was finishing planting beans on a hot day last month with the G-955 and running on liquid I did have the relief valve pop off on the tank and had to switch to vapor.

Also, I have always used ATF in the hydraulics since I bought it and have had no problems with it in 7000+ hours.

LPJetstar3 · Jul 24, 2019

I ran it an hour and a half this morning. Switched from vapor to liquid after about 10 minutes and I didn't notice any difference, but I haven't ran it very hard yet. Drug some brush, pushed my burn pile around, dug in some soft dirt & spread it at my creek crossing. I'm very impressed with this tractor so far, especially the power steering. I need to fix an exhaust leak and repack the left loader cylinder, I may just upgrade to DA cylinders instead.

I run bulk hydro oil in everything else but I may look into bulk atf since that's probably what this tractors had for most its life.
Anyone have any links to online operator's manual for the jetstar or do I need to just break down and buy one from this site?

MMDan · Jul 24, 2019

Tel-O-Flow hydraulic system only holds 10 quarts so you probably won't need to buy it in bulk. Original specs were Type A which has been replaced Dexron.

Cowpuncher · Aug 11, 2019

I have MM (including a Jet Star 3); Case and Farmall's that all run on propane. I usually leave them ALL on Vapor. The only time I switch to Liquid and do it as one of the respondents said is if I am going to do HEAVY work such as plowing as was mentioned it yields more power or if the air temperature is over 80 / 85 degrees since the tractor might develop "vapor lock" and not run as smooth. In cold winter weather it is definitely best in my opinion to run on vapor. Switch when at operating temp. I have operated some of these tractors for over 40 years this way and have had very little repair problems. As to the operators and repair manuals, the quickest way to obtain them is from the Floyd County Museum in Charles City Iowa and they run about $20 each -- you can call Mary Ann there at 641-228-1099. Hope this helps you out. The other information from Chris and others as to oil and fluids are right on the money.

New member & new owner of LP Jetstar 3 questions

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