Changing Oil

Binderson · Apr 28, 2020

What type of oil is recommended on a 1937 F20 and 1939 M? The tractors are not driven too much - we use them for hay rides for the family. We used to take them to parades since they are fully restored. I believe I was told to not use synthetic oil.
Thanks in advance!

Pete in Holland MI · Apr 28, 2020

This gets asked nearly weekly. The manual was based on oil technology in the 30's, so disregard that.

If the oil pan is relatively clean inside, 15w-40 Rotella is a favorite. Some people will stick with a straight 30
weight. 10w-30 for others. All of these are detergent oils, which some will argue will loosen up all old
sludge, block the oil galleries, then wreck the engine. Have not heard of that happen in all of my years.

If it hasn't been run in years, would suggest draining the oil, then pull one of the inspection covers on the side.
Reach down and check for sludge in the bottom of the pan. More than 1/2", drop the pan and clean it out. Less
than that, fill it with new detergent oil. Run it till it gets good and hot at a higher speed, then drain the oil
and refill with detergent oil. This way, you have a base line as to the cleanliness of the oil system.

Congrats on your F-20, by the way !

Binderson · Apr 28, 2020

(quoted from post at 20:48:41 04/28/20) This gets asked nearly weekly. The manual was based on oil technology in the 30's, so disregard that.

If the oil pan is relatively clean inside, 15w-40 Rotella is a favorite. Some people will stick with a straight 30
weight. 10w-30 for others. All of these are detergent oils, which some will argue will loosen up all old
sludge, block the oil galleries, then wreck the engine. Have not heard of that happen in all of my years.

If it hasn't been run in years, would suggest draining the oil, then pull one of the inspection covers on the side.
Reach down and check for sludge in the bottom of the pan. More than 1/2", drop the pan and clean it out. Less
than that, fill it with new detergent oil. Run it till it gets good and hot at a higher speed, then drain the oil
and refill with detergent oil. This way, you have a base line as to the cleanliness of the oil system.

Congrats on your F-20, by the way !

Thank you! I really appreciate the explanation on what to check for. I was never around my dad when he would change the oil in them so some of this is new to me. Gotta keep them running like he did.

Thanks again!

DeltaRed · Apr 28, 2020

I just run the same oil as I run in everything else. 15/40 fleet diesel. Use what you use in your pickup.

Ronnie Budd · Apr 29, 2020

I agree with the others. Oil technology has improved immensely since that tractor was new. I use 15W-40 Rotella diesel oil in all 9 of my old tractors, regardless of fuel type. I have gas, propane, and diesel tractors. They all get the same Rotella.

Changing Oil

Binderson

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Pete in Holland MI

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Binderson

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DeltaRed

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Ronnie Budd

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