tractor in auction, oil condition

chas036 · Mar 8, 2019

Would you be skeptical of a tractor that looks like the oil was changed the day before it would be in a private farm auction?

Could this be a sign that there is water in the oil and the owner wanted to hide that fact? Why change the oil the day before the auction.

What other ways can you know if water is getting into the oil without looking at the oil color?

Janicholson · Mar 8, 2019

If it has been sitting, cracking the oil plug will let out coolant first, then oil. If has been running, the oil will be foggy/milky. Clean oil does not make me nervous. Fresh oil that looks very clean will not stay that way if the engine it is put in has been sludged up. Jim

Bob · Mar 8, 2019

Sounds like you are skeptical/worried.

Dunno why you have singled out the "coolant in oil" issue to worry about, if there's any doubt about the history of the tractor or the integrity of the seller, it would seem to me you may as well worry about a lot of other things that mite be wrong with an old tractor, as well???

Traditional Farmer · Mar 8, 2019

Actually the sharp tractor jockeys will keep some used motor oil on hand to refill the crankcase to get the tractor ready to take to a sale,also wait until cold weather and drain
the coolant out so it can be started and run for short periods to show it runs.

tomturkey · Mar 8, 2019

Get ahold of the auctioneer, ask him and then tell them you want to ask the owner some questions regarding the tractor. One must investigate if he wants to know the history. And you need to do it prior to sale day. But there is always something wrong with a tractor. If it bothers you or worries you go find the tractor you desire thru a private negotiation. Buying at auction is and always will be a gamble. In my opinion. gobble

M-MAN · Mar 9, 2019

I guess everyone is different. I don't like it if I don't see clean oil.

JOCCO · Mar 9, 2019

Get ahold of the auctioneer, ask him What good would that do only to be told sold as is we do not know the the history!!

David G · Mar 9, 2019

I would put fresh oil in if selling.

nrowles · Mar 9, 2019

I’m with chas036 on this one. I’d prefer to see oil with a little time on it

tomturkey · Mar 9, 2019

That maybe, but if they mis represent it, it could be trouble. Also many times especially with consignments the tractor owners name is not on the sale bill. You must get that number from the auctioneer. Of course it is sold as is, but as is can be excellent, or as is may be rode hard and worn out. Do youthink if it is an excellent tractor the auctioneer is going to say "AS IS" or is he going to give the best information he has on the tractor. I've called about several big ticket items, auctioneers treat me as a prospective bidder, they don't jerk me around and say AS IS. Too bad you've had such a poor experience with auctioneers. gobble

tractor in auction, oil condition

chas036

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Janicholson

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Bob

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Traditional Farmer

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tomturkey

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M-MAN

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JOCCO

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David G

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nrowles

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tomturkey

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