Gravely Li Oil type

[EHuffman]

Hi just picked up a 1959 gravely li and I was wondering what kind of oil i should use in it? And is there a crossed over oil filter? Thanks!

 

[Janicholson]

15W-40 diesel rated oil protects sliding (valve train) parts and is radically superior to oils recommended when it was new. Jim

 

[TomIn]

When I was running a Gravely engine L I used a Fram Ph8a filter. (It was the one I had on hand because it also fit my truck at the time.) Back in the day Gravely specified different oils for different temperature ranges. I recall that I used SAE 30 in the summer and 10w30 in the winter with a snow plow.

There are lots of manuals available online.

https://manuals.gtcoa.com/docs/walkers/index.html

If you are not very familiar with the old Gravely two wheel tractors, the LI was the intermediate speed model L. The LS was the slow speed model. For many attachments (and old feeble operators like me) the ground speed of the L was just too fast. I think your 1959 model was a 5 hp. Later models with the same basic engine were 6.6 hp and 7.6 hp. Most parts were interchangable between the years, so it is possible (and very likely) that yours may be a mutt of sorts. The model and serial number tags were attached to the gas tank. Because of engine vibration, the bracket that attached the gas tank was prone to crack from the vibration. This is why many gas tanks (with their serial number tags) have been replaced.

 

[EHuffman]

So Isnt 15w40 a little heavy for the engine? I know its all one system. I had a li a couple of years ago and its coming back I think I used sae 30 but not for sure. thanks!

 

[ADB-Ia]

15w40 oil would be lower viscosity than straight 30 wt when cold and higher viscosity than straight 30 wt when warm. So you would be getting better lubrication either hot or cold with the 15w40.

 

[Keith Molden]

I wouldn't go too light on the engine oil as it also lubricates the rest of the equipment. Engine oil also goes to the transaxle and lubricates the PTO on the front. I've repaired several and have quite a few parts and add on equipment for the L series Gravelies. They were first developed and made in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, about 17 miles from me. There was all kinds of equipment to include post hole diggers, planters, rotary plows, cultivators, sickle bar mowers, and others. Quite a piece of equipment. You can even put a battery and starter on them so you didn't have to pull tht darned strap hand starter. Keith

 

[Bret4207]

They have a very small oil pump and it's a low pressure system. In warm weather 10-40 should be okay.

 

[EHuffman]

Ok Thanks If any of you guys are close to dayton ohio and have some attachments you would like to sell for a reasonable price let me know!

 

[Bret4207]

(quoted from post at 15:13:44 03/11/22) Ok Thanks If any of you guys are close to dayton ohio and have some attachments you would like to sell for a reasonable price let me know!

Advertise on Craigslist and FB Marketplace. Put a couple of pictures of the machine in the ad because a lot of people don't know a Gravely from a David Bradley from a Simplicity.