Oil Change For The Antique Tractor

If it is time to perform an oil change on your vintage tractor, there are a few things you should know before you get started. There are some pretty specific tools that you will need to use and if this is your first rodeo, there are some pretty specific parts that you will be caring for. Best thing to do is look over your owner's manual before getting started. You will want to refresh your memory on what goes where.

As for the lubricant, this is the easy part. You can likely use the same grade that is used in an everyday automobile. If you aren't sure that this brand or grade is what you want to use, talk to your local tractor dealership. They can likely hook you up with tractor grade that is being used on modern machinery. In fact, while you are at the dealership, ask them to walk you through an oil change. Believe it or not, tractor motors haven't changed that much in the past 80 years.

So, you have the lubricant, the general know how and are up to date on what parts go where. It is time to get started. One of the first things you are going to want to do is drain the old lubricant. The tractor's engine is a very simple form of combustion engine and everything should be right in front of you, easily accessible. Just remember, that the tractor has a really big combustible engine. Draining the engine is a similar experience to draining a car's engine just with a lot more lubricant. Prepare yourself with a large bucket, maybe a couple gallons.

Once you have started the draining process you can start to get the new products ready for the switch over. When you do the oil change, you should go ahead and replace the filter, which as a product that's easy to come by. Again, equipment and replacement parts haven't changed much over the years. Make sure you have the right model and make when picking up the parts though. This could make a difference when doing replacements. If you aren't sure what parts you need, you could always take some extra time to ask questions while at the dealership.

Make and model will also determine where you put the new lubricant in. On some antiques the seven or so quarts will be poured in through the top near what is called the crankcase. Your model may be different and require you to pour the lubricant in somewhere else. The best way to determine and to be sure you get it right is to access your manual. There should be specific directions for you there.

Once you've replaced the old lubricant and filter, give the air filter a quick clean. This will help your tractor's engine run well after the oil change. Clean everything up, wipe down any spills and start her up. She should run smoothly for you until the next lube.