The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

G'day folks,

I'm in hot Darwin and really want to use the old school spec trannie and rear diff oil, so SAE140. I gather my April 57 Mk2 does have bronze bushes in it, hence I need to avoid yellow metal corrosive oil. I've explored all avenues to buy GL1 oil in a decent size, here in Australia, but no luck. I'm kind of considering Caltex RPM Borate EP, as they claim under applications "steel on bronze worm gears". I then read this article and think what do I do http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Rea ... -additives

Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Dave.

I'm deciding to buy 65 x 1 litre bottles of Penrite Transoil or 2 x 25 + 3 x 5 litre packs of Morris AG. But now not sure..should I get it in SAE90 or SAE140 I'm seeing on the forum many use SAE90, but no one using SAE140 which in the original spec was to be used above 32c, which is generally Darwin temp.

I'm now thinking if Morris, 2 x 25 of AG140 and 3 x 5 of AG90, Put the lighter in the gearbox, 140 in the rear.

What do you suggest folks....do you agree with the mixed scenario I gather Morris oil is no problem and they have an office at Stoke On Trent near Keele, which is where my ancestors lived.. Keele Hall.

Thanks, Dave.

"Gearbox and Rear Axle Oil Specifications. All Models.
Service letter July 1959 states: Gearbox, Rear Axle and Hydraulics oil specifications have changed. Now all models from 1952 onwards use: S.A.E 30HD or S.A.E. 20W/30W in all the above at all temperatures"

See http://www.fordsontractorpages.nl/phpbb ... ?f=2&t=827

Perhaps Brian will chime in?

DaveP, why on earth would you want to use 90 or 140 grade oils in your transmissions ? -- especially, as here posted by Bensdexta, as well as others previously, that the tractor's manufacturer states that a 30 grade GP oil is recommended. Both Shell and Castrol BP market Agri oils of this grade suitable for use in Fordson Majors, with both compatible towards phosphor bronze bushings and the temperatures you experience in the top end. You may have noticed that whilst the cricket was being played at the WACA the temps in Perth were in the 40s, and here in the south west also, during which I was using a FEL on our Major to dig out and cart gravel. Our high temps. may not be as extended as yours but for at least 2 months of the year, Jan & Feb, are consistently above 35 during which the Major does not sit idle in the shed. Over the last 6 years of use there have been no clankings, grindings or screamings of abusive wear contributed to inadequate oil usage.

Pavel

If you are going for the old specification oil .... SAE90W. NEVER SAE140W that stuff is liquid grease!

SAE30 or 20/30W or Multiuse oils are the ones recommended although the 90W is fine.

Have just checked my tractor handbook instead of the later service letters from Ford. The oil recommended in the hand book is indeed SAE140 for temperatures over 90F but the service letters rescind that.

Think Fords had a thing about SAE140 oil as that was the one recommended for the Dexta rear axle and hydraulics in 1957 This too was very quickly changed to 20/30W or 30W.

G'day folks,

Thanks greatly for your replies and I'm surely taking in what you're saying.

My tractor shows evidence of leaky seals.. not sure how bad they are... as I've not had it for long in a running mode, only 15 mins till I decided to fix the probs.. hope they're fixed

I was thinking the thicker oil would not leak out of the seals so easily but admittedly, buying the thicker stuff, either Morris AG or Penrite Transoil is expensive, and I must consider the tractor is not worth a lot, it's very non-pristine

I'll check out the pricing on the less thick Agri oils.

Thanks again guys, really appreciate your help. Dave.

G'day again guys,

I've decided to buy Castrol Agri MP Plus 20w-40.

Many thanks for your advise. Have a top 2014, Dave.