Farmall H Lubrication question

[Flyer1632]

Hi All,

I have a question related to preventative maintenance lubrication for a Farmall H. In the operator's manual, under lubrication (Periodic lubrication), it calls out using "very light oil such as cream separator or sewing machine oil" to lubricate the magneto distributor bearings. Later on in the manual, it also calls out using kerosene on the magneto distributor bearings when the ambient temperature is below 10F.

Does anybody actually use "very light oil such as cream separator or sewing machine oil" to lubricate this bearing or is their a standard weight oil or other modern lubricate anybody uses instead? Regardless of what you use, I would be interested in the brand and weight/type of oil you use for lubricating this bearing.

 

[Bob M]

Hydraulic oil (AW32 or AW46) works fine. Also 5W-20 motor oil.

 

[Janicholson]

Hi All,

I have a question related to preventative maintenance lubrication for a Farmall H. In the operator's manual, under lubrication (Periodic lubrication), it calls out using "very light oil such as cream separator or sewing machine oil" to lubricate the magneto distributor bearings. Later on in the manual, it also calls out using kerosene on the magneto distributor bearings when the ambient temperature is below 10F.

Does anybody actually use "very light oil such as cream separator or sewing machine oil" to lubricate this bearing or is their a standard weight oil or other modern lubricate anybody uses instead? Regardless of what you use, I would be interested in the brand and weight/type of oil you use for lubricating this bearing.

Air tool, or 3-n1 works, gun oil as well. Jim

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

Things to remember: Any oil is better than no oil. Using the "exact right" oil is not critical. Most oil recommendations in original manuals are outdated. You're not going to find "cream separator or sewing machine oil" in 2025. Those oils were common in the 1940's because most dairy farms had cream separators and most farms had sewing machines, and would have such oil on hand.

Ideally you'd have a true light oil like 3-in-1 or even some air tool oil. Anything that comes in a dropper style container from the store.

 

[560Dennis]

Check and clean the felt wick that in the oiler tube , 70 years of crud build up , good idea to flush out the residue with brake clean . If it crumbles during cleaning replace the felt.

 

[John in Ct]

When I had my Mag rebuilt I was told that too much oil is not good either.

 

[Flyer1632]

Thank you all for your recommendations and thoughts.