[Stephenscity]

Can anyone give me some input on my 53 C. The oil keeps turning a milky gray. I am NOT loosing any antifreeze and there is no signs of gas in the oil. Oil level doesn,t seem to be rising. It has done this since I've had it.I've changed the oil and filter twice and as soon as the tractor runs it turns this color. Sorta lost and was wondering what could cause this? Presure on low idel runs mid 20's and normal around 40-45.

 

[AG135]

water contamination is what causes milky oil, a crack or gasket or just plain condensation build up when the engine is not allowed to reach operating temp

 

[DC Snider]

Granted water in the oil will turn the oil "milky" lookin', but I'm thinkin' another route...

What kind of oil ya' using Mike? Detergent or non-detergent? I'm inclined to think what you're seeing is sludge gradually being worked loose. I believe detergent oil will break away sludge faster than detergent oil, but I'm always afraid of putting detergent oil in an engine that I don't know the history of. Using non-detergent oil I try to change them VERY frequently the first few days and change it when the oil is HOT so that all the crap will still flow.

When I got my "M" a few years ago I dumped all the old oil out and stuck filter in first thing. I filled it back up with with plain ol' cheap ND 30W, ran it until it got good and hot for 15-20 mintues and dumped it out, then done it again, and yet again. On the third time I changed the filter too. I kept that oil in it a week or two and done two more oil changes and one more filter. That one stayed in it for almost a year until I overhauled the engine.

The Cub I bought in October is already on its 2nd filter and 3rd oil change. This time the oil is staying "clean" as one would expect...

 

[Stephenscity]

Thanks guys, DC that makes since. I am running 10-30HD Everything seems ok except the color and was wondering if old sludge could cause this. Havn't paniced but just been watching things real close.
Again Thanks for the advice.

 

[John M]

I hope its not the grey, as in, metal shavings?????? :shock: I think you may have a combination of both previous replies.

 

[Stephenscity]

I hope its not the grey, as in, metal shavings?????? :shock: I think you may have a combination of both previous replies.

Oil feels good smells good, wouldn't you feel the grit if it were wear?

 

[John M]

I hope its not the grey, as in, metal shavings?????? :shock: I think you may have a combination of both previous replies.

Oil feels good smells good, wouldn't you feel the grit if it were wear?

A little. Next time you change it, run a magnet in the stream and see. I think the other 2 post are right, and you have a combination of each..............

 

[Stephenscity]

[quote="John M":30mv1t11]I hope its not the grey, as in, metal shavings?????? :shock: I think you may have a combination of both previous replies.

Oil feels good smells good, wouldn't you feel the grit if it were wear?

A little. Next time you change it, run a magnet in the stream and see. I think the other 2 post are right, and you have a combination of each..............[/quote:30mv1t11]
Ok . Thanks. Know how to solve the one but this tractor gets very little work is there anything that would help stop moisture buildup from setting?

 

[BigDaveinKY]

Run it for at least half an hour after it gets up to operating temp. is all I know.
I change the oil in my brides car often for the same reason.
She only drives to and from work 10 minutes each way,
and the oil starts getting milky looking in about 1000 miles.

 

[John M]

Put a plastic bag on the grill get it hot, run it for a little bit. Mine stay in a pole barn, more or less, and I dont think Ive ever had a problem with condensation, unless it evaporates. Mine sit for months at a time....Heck, a couple of them only get started once a year.

 

[bertman]

Id think condensation from hot and cold. Mine sit in a shed and they sweat from time to time from temp difference.

 

[Stephenscity]

Thanks for all the helpful ideas guys!!I guess I just need to get it out and play a little more

 

[Jim in NC]

Mike, make sure your thermostat is working. If engine is not reaching operating temperature, that could be a culprit, and condensation can result. Also, if you suspect sludge, before oil changes, I have drained a bit of oil and added diesel fuel to the crankcase for a little cleaning. I will work them a little on easy stuff before changing the oil.

 

[Stephenscity]

Mike, make sure your thermostat is working. If engine is not reaching operating temperature, that could be a culprit, and condensation can result. Also, if you suspect sludge, before oil changes, I have drained a bit of oil and added diesel fuel to the crankcase for a little cleaning. I will work them a little on easy stuff before changing the oil.

Thanks Jim you maybe onto something there. Didn't think about it but think the last coupple times I ran it temp stayed a little cool. I blamed it on the colder weather.

 

[John M]

Does yours have a water pump? If not, it wont show much on the gauge unless your working the snot out of it, tstat or not...

 

[Stephenscity]

Does yours have a water pump? If not, it wont show much on the gauge unless your working the snot out of it, tstat or not...

No it doesn,t. Heck I don't want to bet there is a therm. in it. Did they put them in this type of cooling systems?This is all new to me.

 

[John M]

No pump, no tstat!

 

[hammerdownharvesters]

there are quite a few truck shops that offer oil analysis for about $20 - the local KW dealer is a Rotella supplier and actually have an on site analyser that gives great results usually the same day. just have to have about 4oz of the oil, brand, grade, hrs on eng, hrs on oil etc. fairly inexpensive to be sure that something critical is not coming apart

Cat equipment dealers usually have something similiar also

 

[Stephenscity]

Thanks everyone for all the input. Had oil checked and was told it was just from temp changes. Was told that it wasn't unusual and the oil really wasn't contaminated. Again as always Thanks!!

 

[Stephenscity]

Quick question; Has anyone ever used the synthetic/oil blend in any of these older tractors and are they as suseptable to condensation?