The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Hi guys, I got my 1956 Major Diesel going yesterday and took it for a run, however when I stopped there was quite a bad oil leak coming from a split pin at the bottom of the bell housing. It seems to be transmission oil rather than engine oil as it’s very clean oil but I also noticed the engine oil very thin and the level had risen quite a bit above the max level.

So I am wondering how the transmission oil is getting into the engine? Does the crankshaft oil seal and transmission input seal both need replaced? Also what oil is correct for the transmission? I have 10w30 in at the minute.

Thanks Michael

Michael,

Probably it is the seal on the ingoing shaft that is leaking. The crankshaft seal is behind the flywheel. But if any of them is faulty you will sea oil coming out the clutch housing.

Hi, sounds like either the input shaft seal has failed on the gearbox, or the rear crankshaft oil seal on the engine - both involve splitting the tractor between engine and gearbox.

Regarding the thin and high engine oil, transmission oil cannot get into the engine, it is more likely an injection problem, or a leaking diesel return pipe which is located under the rocker cover.

May also be worth checking your coolant level doesn't go down (although you havent mentioned milky looking engine oil) this could be a leaky liner or block.

The most likely common cause for thin engine oil liver the max on the dipstick and smells of diesel is a failed lift pump diaphragm.
Cheers Stuart