oil pressure

[Neils]

I finally got my rebuilt H to start for the first time this morning, I"ve been sidetracked getting an old Chevy drivable for my granddaughter. The 44 H runs good and starts easy, I"m ecstatic to see my labors pay off and hear it run. My question is about the oil pressure, on my H the new gage sits a little above the red "STOP" at an idle, at higher RPM it goes up to just below the "M"edium Is this fairly normal oil pressure for these old two cylinder engines or do I need to go through the pump? I do have a small leak right at the gage that ill need to tighten up but its just a about a drop every five seconds or less.

 

[Kemper]

I think it should have between 10 and 15 lbs, you can adjust the oil pressure on your H below the belt pulley.

 

[Tech 7]

I would suggest verifying the pressure with a known gauge

 

[Neils]

Damn, you are right, I had forgotten that i had read that in the book. I will verify the pressure with a proper gauge and make any needed adjustments. Thanks...

 

[Dan in Ohio]

neils,

You can be sure a leaking oil line will effect your gauge reading, just had to deal with that on my 70 gas std. Could have been the cause for my leaking automatic fuel shut off.

 

[MT RON]

I don't think an H is adjustable on the outside.Ron

 

[Rusty wheel]

10 to 15 lbs is correct. Too much pressure and it will smoke cause the rings can't clean away all that oil. To adjust the oil pressure U need to remove a plug just below the belt pully and adjust it with a long flat screwdriver. Turn it to the right to increase the pressure. But if you have pressure just above the red mark at idle and just below the M mark at fast idle, I wouldn't mess with it.

 

[Paul from MI]

I would adjust it so that it is above the "M" mark even at idle. It may go above the "H" at wide open throttle, but I've had no problems with any of my Deere's adjusted that way. I would also pull the crankcase cover and double check the oil lines just to be sure.

 

[Neils]

I had replaced the oil line supplying oil to the top end when it was torn down.and spun the crank by hand to be sure the lines didn't conflict with anything, all was well then, but I can double check it. I will repair the gauge leak, and install a separate gauge to be sure of the pressure. The 1/4" plug in the head on the left side is a perfect place to install that. I really appreciate all the input.

 

[Neils]

I have adjusted the pressure to medium at an idle, you were correct it raises to high at wide open, no smoke. I inspected the oil lines and they are all good. Thanks for the good advice!