'51 SuperC

INBrett · May 27, 2013

I have a Super C that has a 3 point hitch. It runs a very nice and maintains about 20-25lbs oil pressure. I run SAE 30 oil in it. The other day I mounted a 62" finish mower on it and decided to try mowing with it. As I was mowing with it, I noticed the oil pressure was dropping on it. It dropped to below 10 lbs. It never bottomed out on it. I put it away and removed the mower. A couple of days later I got the tractor out and it maintained 20-25 lbs oil pressure. What would be the problem with this and how do I go about fixing it? Thanks

Janicholson · May 27, 2013

The probable cause is a bent/warped oil pump cover/end plate. They can and do distort and leak oil that reduces effective pressure.
There are no cam bearings in the engine, so it cannot be that. The pump cover can warp or be worn. flat sanding with 200 grit silicon carbide paper on a piece of flat glass can take out marks and flatten the cover. Very thin (available at a dealership) gaskets are used to set gear clearance. (about .0005" to .001") If the pump is good and the pressure stays low, the mains and rods may need to be checked for clearance. Jim

INBrett · May 27, 2013

Thanks, but a dumb question. Where is it located? When I changed the oil, I dropped the pan and cleaned the oil pump screen to remove all of the sludge in it. How difficult is it to remove this end plate? Thanks

Janicholson · May 27, 2013

It is on the pump where the pickup screen attaches. Easy to remove the entire pump. Jim

INBrett · May 27, 2013

Thank you, I will give that a try. I appreciate the help

CNKS · May 27, 2013

Take the two bolts out and remove the whole thing, easier than working under the tractor. After you remove the bolts it may still seem tight but it will come out. The plate probably needs straightening, but oil pressure drops as the oil gets hotter. It will run a long time like that (so I have read), but as easy as it is, best to fix it.

mkirsch · May 28, 2013

You've probably never really worked the tractor before, right?

Oil pressure always drops some when you get it good and warmed up.

20-25PSI isn't good to start with on a C. Should be much higher than that.

If truing up the oil pump doesn't help, the engine probably needs an overhaul. Loose bearings cause oil pressure loss.

souNdguy · May 28, 2013

mine runs about twice that, .. may i suggest you using 15w40 oil?

it's easier at startup.. but better when hot.

INBrett · May 28, 2013

Is there a chance it could be the gauge? I was looking at it and it is the screw in type. It looks like it was welded into place. I haven't really had a chance to mess with it yet. The tractor runs great and my dad used it to dig his drive with a slip scoop. He says the only reason for gauges are for people like me to worry about stuff. Not going to have much chance to look into it until after vacation but trying to get all of my ducks in a row. Thanks again

'51 SuperC

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