I have a '51 L with the old 5 horse engine and it constantly sprays a mist of oil from the breather cap. The gravely runs well and i use it alot with no problems. I know if i take the cap off i can see the oil pump stream of oil and my guess is it just sprays some out. It sure make a mess any ideas? Thanks
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gravely L oil coming from breather cap
- Thread starter jb4020
- Start date
- Views: 6874
2manyrocks
Super Member
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2007
- Messages
- 8,675
Is the breather cap clean?
Is the gasket on the breather cap in good shape?
Do you think you have normal oil pressure? Not all Gravelys have an oil pressure gauge.
Is the gasket on the breather cap in good shape?
Do you think you have normal oil pressure? Not all Gravelys have an oil pressure gauge.
Thanks for the reply. The cap appears to be clean. I didnt think about the gasket that could be the whole problem. I think the tractor has good oil pressure mine does not have a gauge although i would like to add one. If i pull the breather cap off after i start it as the directions say there is a strong stream of oil shooting out of the little nossle. Thanks
FlaDon
Platinum Member
The Ls all tend to blow out some oil vapor. It's the nature of the beast. Unlike modern engines and tractors, the L has no PCV system. Any blowby, the actual air that is displaced by the piston movement, and any exhaust products that get blown by the valve stem guides ends up coming out the breather cap. 30 cuin of air move just because of the piston movement. The newer caps do a better job of filtering it out but even they have their limits.
2manyrocks
Super Member
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2007
- Messages
- 8,675
I'd suggest you go here and download as many manuals for your machine as may be needed. OldGravelys.Net: Gravely Manuals & Parts Lists: Walk-Behind Tractors
Lot's of very good information, and I don't know where else you'd get it these days.
Lot's of very good information, and I don't know where else you'd get it these days.
FlaDon
Platinum Member
Unless it has been upgraded to a high volume pump, a 30 PSI gauge is fine. The relief is set at 15 PSI.Well that makes me feel alot better. I have the breather cap with the wire mesh inside. Any idea what the oil pressure should be i want to add a gauge. Thanks
FlaDon
Platinum Member
Thanks for all the replies! I would like to upgrade to the high pressure pump. I believe this is possible. Is it just a matter of taking the old one off and replacing it? And any ideas where to get one? Thanks
How hard it is to convert will depend on if you have a spin-on oil filter or not already. The high volume pump itself simply replaces the low pressure one. You do have to remove the pulley to get to it. If your tractor is an electric start model, then the starter clutch has to come off. Once the pump is on, you need to replumb the tractor for the canister filter replacement with the spin-on type. Oil line that was to the block now needs to run from the pump to the filter. Output of the filter then goes to the block and relief valve. Gauge needs to be changed to a 50 or 60 PSI unit as at WOT and cold, pressure can hit 45 PSI. New gauge is installed just before the filter input.
E-bay has the items used on occasion or you can get them from Richard's Lawn and Garden in Spencer, WV. Gravelyparts.com Any Gravely dealer can order the parts from Gravely for you but Richard's normally has the best prices. If you run into any problems, PM me and I can look up the part numbers in Gravely's dealer's website.