52 Super C Oil Pressure

TNSuperC · Nov 24, 2012

I think the gauge is the original. I notice that when I first crank the tractor, it takes the gauge about 10 seconds before it moves from the peg. Then, it will rise to about the middle of the "O" in "OIL." If I run the tractor for an hour or so, plowing, discing, and the like, the pressure will tend to fall just about to the edge of the "white band" while @ operating speed and maybe slightly into the red at idle. Is this normal?

The tractor does not smoke noticeably at all. It seems to have good power...will pull my Ford 2-12" plow easily. I don't hear any noises in the engine but then it is fairly loud since I have a straight pipe with no muffler.

Could my oil pick up (in the pan) be clogged or bent? I've never had the oil pan off this tractor.

Varmint1 · Nov 24, 2012

It could be just the old gauge, replace it with a new one. When has the oil been changed last? Has anything hit and bent the oil pan causing damage to the pickup tube? It could be just worn bearings

Soundguy · Nov 24, 2012

i never trust an old gauge without verifying it on a test gauge I keep in my tool box on a greas gun hose whip.

too easy to test and not guess.

TNSuperC · Nov 24, 2012

Varmint1 said:
It could be just the old gauge, replace it with a new one. When has the oil been changed last? Has anything hit and bent the oil pan causing damage to the pickup tube? It could be just worn bearings

I've never changed the oil...but then the tractor has only been in a few shows the last couple of years since I've owned it. The pan is not in perfect condition; meaning it is dented somewhat. I'm no expert on this tractor, which bearings do you mean?

TNSuperC · Nov 24, 2012

Soundguy said:
i never trust an old gauge without verifying it on a test gauge I keep in my tool box on a greas gun hose whip.

too easy to test and not guess.

Thanks for the tip. Do you know what an acceptable pressure is @ idle and say half throttle? I plan to replace the oil gauge with a new one that matches the original which doesn't have numbers on it. It has a red band from 0 to 1/4 full scale and then a white band from 1/4 full scale to full scale.

scott_vt · Nov 25, 2012

Good Mornin TNSuperC,
I have a 49 Super A and my pressure is usually in about the middle of the gage while running unless its very hot and then it drops off a bit more.

Soundguy gave you good advice, take that gage off and check with a new or reliable gage. If the good gage reads low I would suggest taking the oil pan off and checking your pickup.

Let us know how you make out !

TNSuperC · Nov 25, 2012

OK, will replace. Could someone tell me the correct gauge for this tractor. I've looked at several and am not sure of the correct part #. Now I don't think the gauge that is on it is the correct one based on antiquetractorsrus.com. Looks like the Super C had either the 362177-R92 (0-45lb) or 364665R91 (0-75lb) gauge.

AKwelder · Nov 25, 2012

Change the oil with a heavier weight, these older tractors sometimes run 3W-30 and such but sometimes they lose pressure. Try a straight 40 weight oil, or a 15W50 in the heat.

scott_vt · Nov 25, 2012

TNSuperC said:
OK, will replace. Could someone tell me the correct gauge for this tractor. I've looked at several and am not sure of the correct part #. Now I don't think the gauge that is on it is the correct one based on antiquetractorsrus.com. Looks like the Super C had either the 362177-R92 (0-45lb) or 364665R91 (0-75lb) gauge.

Good Evenin TNSuperC,
I believe its the 0-45 lb gage but I dont know for sure. I deal with Columbia Tractor in Claverack,Ny tractor and they have supplied numerous parts for me. I own two old Farmalls, and they have been great, getting me the right parts, whether for tractor or implements !

I would try your local Case IH dealer, and you could also ask on Farmall & IHC Tractors Discussion Board those guys atr great !

DJ54 · Nov 25, 2012

According to the Case/IH parts page, 364665R91 is the correct gauge, but N/A through them. It has been replaced by 536962R2. $27.92 at any Case/IH dealer. There are correct aftermarket ones out there for $32.00+

DJ54 · Nov 25, 2012

And to answer another question, the cam bearings are what you get your oil pressure reading from.

Soundguy · Nov 26, 2012

i'd at least check it with a gauge with numbers.. and know where you are at.

when bearings was mentioned..t hey meant mains and rods.. many times cam losses are gonna require custom machining for inserts if the cam runs in the parent bore.. old fords are that way.. etc..

Kiwi Farmall · Dec 1, 2012

I bought replacement gauges from OEM tractor parts for my Farmall A .The have a website and have reproduction gauges that match or very closely resemble the originals and are made by rochester just like the originals.The originals had a part number on the face of the gauge and the manufacturers name around the outer edge of the face.

TNSuperC · Dec 1, 2012

I replaced the oil gauge with one I got at the local dealership. I also changed oil and filter...used the low ash SAE 30. The old gague had trash in the inlet. The new gauge is very sensitive. For the first start of the day the pressure shows about half full scale, so thats ~35 psi @ idle. Once it gets warmed up (~180 deg F), the pressure rolls off to just above the red zone @ idle. At half throttle (warm), it will run ~20-25 psi.

Guess I'll just run it for a while and keep an eye on it.

My only problem now is that the engine stumbles somtimes under load and at idle. If I run the plows too deep, it will start missing...which seems like a carburetor issue. Mine has the Zenith. I see only one adjustment on the front of it. I know I have good fuel. My in-line fuel filter is clean. My aircleaner has the correct amount of oil and no dirt. Any ideas on this?

Soundguy · Dec 1, 2012

on a ford I'd call that lean..

TNSuperC · Mar 11, 2013

My 7.5 foot disc is too big for the SC, but it being all I have, I gave it a try yesterday since it was the first day dry enough to work the ground this year. The ground had been turned last fall and was still a bit rough. I was better off pulling in first gear for the first pass and then pulling in second gear for the second pass. The second pass really smoothed the ground nicely. I was able to verify that my new "touch control" gauge worked great. I'd say the disc was fairly taxing of the hydraulics, but they held up. The gauge never got close to the hot line. I guess I ran the tractor about an hour at 85% throttle which heated things up nicely. Temp gauge ran ~190-195 degrees F. My oil pressure was a different story. At 85% throttle, it ran right on the edge of the "red zone." Guess I'll pull the oil pan this week and check the oil pickup.

BobG_in_VA · Mar 11, 2013

Can you put a known pressure guage on the SC to double check your oil pressure? If the engine is making 8psi once its hot, you are probably OK...I use 15-40 Delo or Rotella in all my Farmalls..it does make a difference...BobG in VA

Soundguy · Mar 11, 2013

anyone know what the book value is on the sc?

i know my case vac makes low double digits.. like between 10-20 and that is 100% book value.

DJ54 · Mar 11, 2013

50-60 psi on the SC, on the newer C-123's ie: 140's, 240's etc, it's 45-50psi. That is assuming that it has the proper weight/grade oil in for the season. Above +32º SAE 30W, and below+32º SAE 10W. If you're running a 10W/30, it's bound to show a lower psi, if it's a warmer air temp.

You can put a pressure gauge on and see what it is producing, or not sure when your next oil change will be, but switch to a straight SAE 30W. I've found SAE 30W Rotella at out local TSC. Wally world doesn't carry it for some reason. Volume sales I guess. Personally, I use 15/40 year 'round. Everyone has their preferences. But no problems in using it in 20 years or so...

Here's a lube chart for you, and the other guy's to print off, that have C's, Super C's, 200's and 230's. At least it's a quick reference to oil weight's, amounts, and service intervals.