Model A John Deere oil

[Legacy A JD]

What kind of oil is everyone putting in their A I want to change mine before I start the tractor. Is anyone using a synthetic ?

 

[susandiane]

I used the "original" 30W non detergent until I couldn't get it any more. Switched to 10-40W with no problems. Synthetic would be pricey and would probably get dirty as fast as "regular" oil and not result in longer change intervals. Just my $.02. Hope someone who's tried it chimes in. . .

 

[Kansas rhody]

I have a 1949 A, I change the oil once a year since she is a parade queen, I just use 10-30 in it with no problems. My humble opinion is that regular oil and filter changes are the way to go, probably more important than any thing else with your tractor. For less than 50 bucks you can catch problems before they become major like gas or anti freeze in your oil

 

[forty40]

(quoted from post at 09:22:36 11/15/19) What kind of oil is everyone putting in their A I want to change mine before I start the tractor. Is anyone using a synthetic ?

I use synthetic in my restored 1951 JD A, 15W-50 Mobil I, $25 for a 5 qt jug at Walmart. No problems. Not sure if I've changed it or not, only gets run about 5 hrs/yr.

 

[Legacy A JD]

Thanks everyone!!

 

[amtrac]

It is my opinion that any modern oil is OK to use in old engines as long as you use an additive to replace the zinc and phosphorus compounds that EPA made the oil companies remove from their product. Claimed they destroyed catalytic converters. Modern engines with roller bearings and such don't need the added protection of zinc and phosphorus, but old engines have a lot of metal/metal contact that will wear quicker if there is no protective compounds in the oil. Just my 2 cents.

 

[EarlyB]

Check out Brad Penn oil, it gas zinc additives already formulated in & specifically designed for older engines!

 

[EarlyB]

Check out Brad Penn oil, it has zinc additive formulated in & is specifically designed for older engines!

 

[David G]

I see no reason to go synthetic unless you plan to cold start, the oil will be super contaminated before it wears out.

I would use a 15W-40 Delvac or Rotella.

You do not need a high zinc oil, as this is low speed, old wives tale on that.

 

[David G]

Amen.

 

[mikewood869]

I ended up running 15w 40 in our 1950 or 1 A. It probably time for another oil change (smells like old gasoline).

 

[buickanddeere]

Are you going to be racing the A , using it north of the Arctic Circle or near the Equator ?

 

[buickanddeere]

Given the valve spring pressure , cam lobe profile and rpms of an A . How is a high zinc oil required ?

 

[David G]

B&D, people assume you need a ton of zinc.

The additive has side effects, as there is phosphorus in it, which makes the oil acidic as it ages.

 

[buickanddeere]

Engine oil is where people tend to be the two extreme . Either ignore the oil or they treat some old putt putt like it is the 252 HP LGT turbo Intercooled 2.0 L/129.1 cu" in my Daughter s vehicle.