1929 D Oil Questions

[Two-cylinder guy]

I'm getting ready to attempt a start on my 29' D and want to check the oil. Someone told me to crack open the oil reservoir plug and drain off any accumulated condensation in the oil. I debated just changing the oil, but I want to make sure it runs before I dump a bunch of fresh oil in it.

My questions are:

Where is the valve or plug located that oil should run out when it's at the proper level? I see two of them on the upper right side of the oil reservoir a few inches above the drain plug (see photos), but they both seem too low to hold quarts of oil. If one of these is it, which one?

Also, my D has an accessory (see photo) on the upper left side which I'm guessing is some kind of aftermarket oil filter or screen. What is the small hand crank on top for? How do you open it up to clean it or change the oil?

I've installed the correct mag and carb and believe the timing is spot on. The compression seems fine because it hisses like a pit viper when turning the flywheel. Does anyone have any advice for starting it the first time after many years of sitting?

 

[matthies]

If you go to the JD publications website it does explain your filter.

 

[Scott 730]

Sounds like purchasing an operators manual is in order.

 

[used red MN]

If you go to the JD publications website it does explain your filter.

Do you have a manual number for him? In the publications search you can’t just type in a D on that site for the model it brings up 2000 plus results. I tried using the numbers from the manuals YT lists but that was also a no go.

 

[Fixingfarmer]

Change the oil if you are going to the trouble of cracking it.

They hold a 2 and a half gallon jug or so.

#1 it’s a 29 D it’s worth the 50 bucks in oil

#2 on a 2 cylinder you can disassemble most of the tractor without dropping the oil.
I have several times pulled the block and pistons and left the engine oil in the crankcase to drain while the head and block were at the machinist to move it along

It’s your intention to get this running correct?

#3 it’s probably not the only use you have for 10w30 why run milky oil through it. It’s tough enough to take the water but still why?

 

[JIM MN]

Buy your "D" operators manual by serial number of your tractor. There are three different manuals? First start after sitting a while, I would suggest squirting some oil into each cylinder?












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[used red MN]

#1 it’s a 29 D it’s worth the 50 bucks in oil

Ya, that would be my point, she’s probably not going to the scrap yard per the paint job that is showing, although I’m a tightwad and one that believes oil really doesn’t go bad sitting there especially if you crack the drain and prove it’s water free.

 

[Two-cylinder guy]

Thanks for your replies. I didn't think I had an operator's manual, but I dug through a few boxes and there it was. Page 8 told me to fill the oil to the upper cock and explained the oil filter. Wish me luck getting this beast started!

 

[Mark-Ia]

There is a brass screen inside the oil filter you have pictured, loosen the t-knob on top and pump it up and down to clean the screen. should be a plug to remove to drain the old oil out of the filter.

 

[matthies]

Do you have a manual number for him? In the publications search you can’t just type in a D on that site for the model it brings up 2000 plus results. I tried using the numbers from the manuals YT lists but that was also a no go.

Yesterday I got in just by typing "D" and today I cannot. Sorry

 

[PeterE]

Yesterday I got in just by typing "D" and today I cannot. Sorry

Do you have a manual number for him? In the publications search you can’t just type in a D on that site for the model it brings up 2000 plus results. I tried using the numbers from the manuals YT lists but that was also a no go.

Search by parts/keywords for "DIR3C".

Search for Equipment Publications - Technical Information Store

techpubs.deere.com

 

[used red MN]

Search by parts/keywords for "DIR3C".

Search for Equipment Publications - Technical Information Store

techpubs.deere.com

I have other manual numbers for these tractors. Since the OP found his paper copy I decided not to post them here since it is in competition with the manuals YT sells. The numbers can be derived from the manual numbers they sell. If anyone wants more details contact me in a DM.