transmission oil change on an H

Greetings, Farmall H owners. I have a question for which I've found many different answers. What kind of transmission fluid should I use on a late model H? I think my tractor was made around the early 50s. I've heard that one should use 80 weight gear oil rather than modern transmission oil. Also, should I add some kerosene or something else to the old oil to loosen up the thick, gloppy mess that's in there now before I drain it out?

Thanks for any advice you can offer this newby.

Harold Evans
Bloomington, IN

90 weight gear oil or heavier. The kero may be a good idea but I would run it a while with it in there to make sure it sloshes around and does the job.

drain, flush with kerosene, fill with 85w140

Harold, you aren't going to get any fewer answers here. They'll just be condensed into one thread to confuse you even more.

First off I recommend that you get yourself a reprint manual for your tractor. That will give you the original oil types and capacities so you're not guessing.

Second, anything labeled "gear lube" is the "right" oil for the rear end of your H. That could be SAE90, SAE85W140, or any of the other various thick-weight gear lubes.

Frankly anything liquid and slippery will work. The tractor just isn't that fussy. You could use "hydraulic/transmission fluid" and be fine, but the transmission will be noisier than it should and you'll spend a whole lot more money. People will call me crazy, but technically even vegetable oil would do the job. You'd just get sick of the rancid smell after a few months.

Drain as much of the old lube as possible, THEN put in the kerosene and run the tractor around. Drain again, and refill with new lube of your choice.

Just don't do the kerosene treatment to the engine. Some poor fellow did that and actually ran the engine and drove the tractor with kerosene in the crankcase. Siezed the engine and at the very least ruined the bearings.

Herald,

If you don't have an owner's manual, you can get an excellent reprint from "Binders Books". Call 503-684-2024, 10AM - 5PM, Pacific Time.

I have the original for my '50 H (all tattered) and the reprint is the same, page for page.

LA in WI

6 gallons of 80-90 gear lube.