W30 questions

[Cory D]

I have a 1935 M-D W30. When parking it for any length of time, I have been blocking the clutch pedal down as I'm concerned about it sticking to the flywheel. I'm just wondering if doing so is a good idea or if I will create some other problem. Another question is that I've drained the crankcase a couple of times and I've noticed a little water draining before oil which I'm assuming is the sleeve o-rings seeping. Obviously, the proper fix would probably open a giant can of worms. I'm mostly wondering how concerned I should be as long as I keep an eye on it. The tractor currently sits with an empty cooling system as the radiator is leaking at the bottom. The few hours I've had it running has been with water only. When I get around to repairing the radiator, I will obviously want to use antifreeze to help prevent further corrosion and I'm not sure how susceptible these old engines are to contaminated oil. I know more modern engines don't enjoy coolant in the oil for very long.

 

[Cory D]

I should have searched before I asked about blocking the clutch. Apparently, it's common procedure on all types of equipment. I probably read to do so in the operators manual and then forgot.

 

[55 50 Ron]

I should have searched before I asked about blocking the clutch. Apparently, it's common procedure on all types of equipment. I probably read to do so in the operators manual and then forgot.

I've never heard of that blocking being needed !!!!! Where I volunteer there are Farmalls, Massey Harris, Oliver, Allis Chalmers, all with foot clutch and non are blcked. Those tractors sit for months with no use and when brought out eventually for events, no clutches are stuck.

 

[used red MN]

I know more modern engines don't enjoy coolant in the oil for very long.

Hello Cory D, welcome to YT! Set clearance “journal” bearings such as rods and mains in an engine do not survive well when antifreeze mixes with their lubricating oil. Doesn’t matter how old of an engine they are in. Yes, in modern engines it’s all about more power from a smaller package so indeed faster spinning engines that have a higher demand on those faster turning parts certainly rely on a good supply of non-contaminated oil to remain reliable. If you get much over a teaspoon of coolant in a day or two into the pan you would be wise to find a way to correct the problem.

 

[Cory D]

Hello Cory D, welcome to YT! Set clearance “journal” bearings such as rods and mains in an engine do not survive well when antifreeze mixes with their lubricating oil. Doesn’t matter how old of an engine they are in. Yes, in modern engines it’s all about more power from a smaller package so indeed faster spinning engines that have a higher demand on those faster turning parts certainly rely on a good supply of non-contaminated oil to remain reliable. If you get much over a teaspoon of coolant in a day or two into the pan you would be wise to find a way to correct the problem.

Thanks for the info and the welcome! Any backwoods method you know of to "correct the problem" other than a full teardown and reseal of the sleeves? I really don't want to think about the level of mission creep I would turn that into.

 

[Cory D]

I've never heard of that blocking being needed !!!!! Where I volunteer there are Farmalls, Massey Harris, Oliver, Allis Chalmers, all with foot clutch and non are blcked. Those tractors sit for months with no use and when brought out eventually for events, no clutches are stuck.

Thank you for the response. What part of the country are you in? My GMC truck hadn't been driven for two weeks until yesterday and already had brake pads stuck to the rotor from the constant rain we've had in Illinois. I was mostly wondering if there was anything that was hurt by blocking. It's not a big hassle for me to do so as this tractor is only run a few times a year.