Ford 601 has 5 psi oil pressure at idle

[Vern_in_IL]

I know the 8N's used to run with LOW pressure, but I believe I should be getting 20 psi at idle.

Perhaps a new oil pump? I've heard some old timer saying that the pressure relief spring is adjustable, and sludge can cause problems.

This tractor was not used much, just sitting mostly. I really don't want to put it under a load until I am comfortable with the oil pressure.

 

[FlyNavyP3]

Loose bearings or fuel diluted oil is more likely the culprit than the oil pump. However it will probably run forever with idle pressure of 5 psi. Above an idle if it has 10psi/1000 rpm I'm sure it will be fine.

 

[fields]

Try changing the oil to a straight weight 30.

 

[JimPghPA]

Originally Posted By: fields
Try changing the oil to a straight weight 30.


Not in IL in the winter. A straight weight 30 could result in a blown engine in the winter.

 

[Charlie1935]

Originally Posted By: JimPghPA
Originally Posted By: fields
Try changing the oil to a straight weight 30.


Not in IL in the winter. A straight weight 30 could result in a blown engine in the winter.
Not true. I've done that and didn't blow the engine.

 

[BrocLuno]

All these old tractors ran on straight grades for the first 50 years of their lives ...

But I'd be onto 15W-40 and a can of BG109 as a first round treatment.

I've had tractors run well with 3 psi hot at idle ...

 

[Michael_P]

Single digit oil pressure is not all that unusual on old tractors. Where did you read you should have 20PSI at idle?

My Lake Erie boat had a Detroit 6V71 in it for the first 30 years of its life. The engine had a few thousand hours on it and always ran 4 PSI at warm idle.