1967 Ford 4000 questions/concerns after first heavy use

[wackyrig]

Today i cut some really thick brush with my fairly new to me 4000. This is the first time ive put it to heavy use since addressing hydraulic issues with the 3 point, full service and replacing spindle bushings and bearings. The tractor ran and cut great but i noticed the oil pressure light started flickering usually on gradual downhill descents and would stay on for 2 or 3 seconds sometimes and then turn back off. I shut the tractor down for a half hour or so and checked the oil level and it was right at the mark still nice and clean from recent service. I have a mechanical gauge that i want to plumb in and was wandering where the best place to connect it is. The tractor has an 1/8” npt plug below the oil filter that im assuming would be the spot but want to confirm.

Also, this thing is leaking oil from the clutch cover about 2 drips per second when hot. I felt the transmission housing and it was quite warm to the touch after an hour or so of heavy brush cutting and since the engine oil level is good im assuming the input seal to the transmission is toast. Since i only have about an hour or so of cutting left to do to get ready for deer season i may just top it off every 30 minutes and plan to split her this winter which will be a real treat because it has a loader. I was however wondering if its normal for the transmission housing to get hot on theses tractors. Its an 8 speed.

 

[TractorDad3]

I added a T right at the block where the line runs up to the dash and stuck a mechanical gauge there. Have to lean over a bit to read it but the gauge spun right into the T and you don’t have to fiddle with creating a new location for the gauge to fit

 

[Destroked 450]

That 1/8” port by the filter is a good location, do not use plastic line to the gauge, use copper or convert to jic fittings and #4 hydraulic hose
On my 4000’s cold oil pressure is 65-75 psi and hot idle is 18-25 psi. This is with 15w40 oil, I won’t run anything thinner than that in my diesels
The transmissions on these tractors get hot with heavy use

 

[wackyrig]

That 1/8” port by the filter is a good location, do not use plastic line to the gauge, use copper or convert to jic fittings and #4 hydraulic hose
On my 4000’s cold oil pressure is 65-75 psi and hot idle is 18-25 psi. This is with 15w40 oil, I won’t run anything thinner than that in my diesels
The transmissions on these tractors get hot with heavy use

Good to know. I was hoping the transmission wasn't hot due to the excessive oil leak. I was working it for sure cutting tall brush and patches of 12’ cottonwoods 2” or so in diameter on a decent grade.

Im running 15w40 with about a quart of lucas oil stabilizer as well although my 4000 has a gas engine. Will definitely use copper for the gauge im a plumber by trade so i have some 1/4” on the truck thats already paid for.

 

[Texasmark]

Good to know. I was hoping the transmission wasn't hot due to the excessive oil leak. I was working it for sure cutting tall brush and patches of 12’ cottonwoods 2” or so in diameter on a decent grade.

Im running 15w40 with about a quart of lucas oil stabilizer as well although my 4000 has a gas engine. Will definitely use copper for the gauge im a plumber by trade so i have some 1/4” on the truck thats already paid for.

One reason Fords are cheap is that they don't have oil coolers for the THD oil....like more expensive machines. I have had Fords as my main tractor since 1980 and never had one with an oil cooler. Besides THD oil is ok to 250F per specks and if it got that hot you wouldn't have your legs straddling the main housing......for very long. Grin.