Hello,
In a previous thread I noted that I bought a 1967 JD 1020. After using it for the first time over the weekend I'd like to ask for opinions on some observations I had.
When I was looking at it at the sellers house and also when I got it home the engine oil level was right at the top mark on the dipstick. On Sunday I got a box blade and ran it on my driveway in 1st gear for a few hours, and then did a little finish mowing. All total about 3-4 hours of operation on a sunny 80 degree day. Engine got warm to the point where the gauge needle was pointing straight up. I checked the oil level yesterday and noticed that it had dropped from the top mark to the lower mark. I'm assuming that the difference between the upper and lower marks is a quart of oil - is that correct? If so then wouldn't that amount of consumption be excessive? Is an engine rebuild in my future? No leaks and no smoke, but it did seem to be weeping a bit around the throttle/governor area (I have a friend that says his 1020 weeps in that same spot).
Likening this to a Pontiac Grand Prix I had, I had to put oil in it on a periodic basis. Was cheaper to put oil in than to tear the engine apart. I would assume the same for this tractor but is there a point where a rebuild would HAVE to be done?
I certainly don't expect it to be perfect as it IS 51 years old. That just seemed like a bit much to me. 2570 hours so not a spring chicken but not crazy either, I wouldn't think. My usage for this tractor will be relatively light...some driveway work in the summer (infrequent now that it's done this first time), a half hour or so every few weeks for mowing, and plowing snow on my 1/4" mile long driveway int the winter.
What do you think? Should I just monitor and add oil as needed, or consider something more drastic?
Thanks,
Jerry
In a previous thread I noted that I bought a 1967 JD 1020. After using it for the first time over the weekend I'd like to ask for opinions on some observations I had.
When I was looking at it at the sellers house and also when I got it home the engine oil level was right at the top mark on the dipstick. On Sunday I got a box blade and ran it on my driveway in 1st gear for a few hours, and then did a little finish mowing. All total about 3-4 hours of operation on a sunny 80 degree day. Engine got warm to the point where the gauge needle was pointing straight up. I checked the oil level yesterday and noticed that it had dropped from the top mark to the lower mark. I'm assuming that the difference between the upper and lower marks is a quart of oil - is that correct? If so then wouldn't that amount of consumption be excessive? Is an engine rebuild in my future? No leaks and no smoke, but it did seem to be weeping a bit around the throttle/governor area (I have a friend that says his 1020 weeps in that same spot).
Likening this to a Pontiac Grand Prix I had, I had to put oil in it on a periodic basis. Was cheaper to put oil in than to tear the engine apart. I would assume the same for this tractor but is there a point where a rebuild would HAVE to be done?
I certainly don't expect it to be perfect as it IS 51 years old. That just seemed like a bit much to me. 2570 hours so not a spring chicken but not crazy either, I wouldn't think. My usage for this tractor will be relatively light...some driveway work in the summer (infrequent now that it's done this first time), a half hour or so every few weeks for mowing, and plowing snow on my 1/4" mile long driveway int the winter.
What do you think? Should I just monitor and add oil as needed, or consider something more drastic?
Thanks,
Jerry
