TO-20 oil change question

[KLanders]

I am changing the oil and filter on my TO-20. The draining part went well, the plate wasn't welded on, no pounds of sealant the old seal came right off. I got a new filter and plate gasket, and new copper washers for both bolts. My question is should just go ahead and apply permatex on the new plate seal to head off any problems? Also, is there any reason why I would be smelling diesel fuel in the oil? The old oil is so thin it looks like ink.

 

[Jim L WA]

Hi KLanders, welcome to the forum. The only reason I can think of for smelling diesel in the oil is someone put it in there, possibly to clean the engine? How long have you had this tractor?
I've changed the oil and filter on my TO-20 a couple of times now, and didn't use Permatex on the gasket. I've never had a problem.

 

[KLanders]

Hi KLanders, welcome to the forum. The only reason I can think of for smelling diesel in the oil is someone put it in there, possibly to clean the engine? How long have you had this tractor?
I've changed the oil and filter on my TO-20 a couple of times now, and didn't use Permatex on the gasket. I've never had a problem.

Thank you.
I have had it only a few weeks. Still learning things.

 

[KJB34269]

I'm curious where you got the copper washers for both bolts. Were they regular MF parts or simply hardware store items?

 

[KLanders]

At first I just got an assortment case at a big box home improvement store, but I returned them, they were very thin and narrow. I got a asst box of thicker ones at a local hardware store.

 

[Ericp351]

Just some tips , as you said you are new to this. The center plate bolt and the "pipe nipple" it threads to are both right threads. If you, or last guy over-torqued, it can unscrew from block. Then you must drop pan-not hard, so don't over torque. Remember- this ain't a Honda-mini-van, so no synthetic 5W20! 30wt, 15W40, et cetera and you are good.

 

[KLanders]

Just some tips , as you said you are new to this. The center plate bolt and the "pipe nipple" it threads to are both right threads. If you, or last guy over-torqued, it can unscrew from block. Then you must drop pan-not hard, so don't over torque. Remember- this ain't a Honda-mini-van, so no synthetic 5W20! 30wt, 15W40, et cetera and you are good.

Thanks for the tips! I'm going to get the new oil today and put it back together. I was thinking the tighter the better, never thought about it creating another issue later. And to be honest, I was indeed thinking synthetic high mileage oil. I am really new to this. This site is full of correct advice.

 

[Ericp351]

Your fight. Thin oil=leaks. Center the cover, check that spring was now lost years ago, and enjoy. Rottela T-4 hard to beat, but these are tolerant machines. High mileage 10W-40 or thicker A Ok to me, but your machine. Enjoy.