Ran tractor out of oil???

MESSMAKER · Oct 14, 2016

Was doing some Bushogging when a stick hit just right and hit the oil filter. it was a few minutes before I smelled the oil and shut it down. Put on a new filter and added a gallon of oil. It brought it to full so it was not completely dry. I ran it about 10 min. but shut it down due to pecking in engine and slight loss of power. I am going to remove the filter to see if it has metal in it. What else should do to tell what damage has been done?

prichard · Oct 14, 2016

Was it still full when you shut down? Maybe it's still low? No oil pressure guage I assume? What was temp like after 10 minute run?

MESSMAKER · Oct 14, 2016

prichard said:
Was it still full when you shut down? Maybe it's still low? No oil pressure guage I assume? What was temp like after 10 minute run?

Was still full when I shut it down after refill. Temp was OK.
Bad news is filter is full of metal. Looks like damage was done.

prichard · Oct 14, 2016

Ouch. Hate to hear that.

roadhunter · Oct 14, 2016

Time to take it to the auction LOL. That really sucks.

This demonstrates a point I made in another thread where folks are discussing using a tractor for some logging work removing 24" diameter trees. The lack of engine protection can be an issue on CUT's if you get aggressive and drive over debris when working in the woods. With so skid plates it's' easy to tear things up.

Steave · Oct 14, 2016

First step would be to check the oil pressure with a gauge. Remove the oil sending unit from the engine and hook up an oil pressure gauge. If it's within reason pull the oil pan and see it any of the rod bearings are white. If the oil pressure is way low or none existent the mains are probably shot. If it's white at any of the rod caps that's bad for the crankshaft. If nothing has gotten too hot and not white you might could pull the rod caps off and mic the crank after finding your specs. If its within specs and not scared install new rod bearings (inserts) torque as specified. A new set of rod bearings will probably cost around $50. The rod bearings would go bad before the crankshaft.

Check out all the easy things first. Sometimes lack of oil will cause the valve rocker arms to get out of adjustment quickly but it'll be hard to determine if the ticking is topside or bottom of engine. If the ticking is louder in a hard pull it's probably on the bottom end or if the ticking changes sound when idling then going to pulling same thing it's probably the bottom end. This is something general to think about and may be suggested by a good mechanic if you have to hire it out.

Wish you the best. FWIW my old ford has been ticking on the bottom end for several years now. Not so bad as to tear it down and repair though. I've also heard the engine governor gear on older tractors make ticking sounds but I'm not sure on your engine how the governor works.

STx · Oct 14, 2016

I rented a Kubota a couple of years ago and something pulled the dipstick out. I didn't notice it until sometime later when I saw oil coming out of the tube. With no way to check the oil level, I drained it and refilled with fresh, it was pretty low. About an hour later, it started tapping so I shut it down and waited until Monday when the rental place was open. Took it in and they tore it down, engine was pretty much trashed. Fortunately for me, the insurance covered it.

Your story sounds pretty similar to mine, only the oil loss method is different. I hope your outcome is better.

yomax4 · Oct 14, 2016

roadhunter said:
Time to take it to the auction LOL. That really sucks.

This demonstrates a point I made in another thread where folks are discussing using a tractor for some logging work removing 24" diameter trees. The lack of engine protection can be an issue on CUT's if you get aggressive and drive over debris when working in the woods. With so skid plates it's' easy to tear things up.

Your are right. I have a 25hp 3cyll diesel with loader that I use mainly for wood on my property. It's narrow and will run out of traction well before it runs out of power. I've had it up on 2 and 3 wheels many times while holding my breath. I have had hydro lines tore off 3x. I have some kind of sending unit low on the trans that is smashed ( not sure what it's for) wires tore out. The tractor has ROP's and can 3pt lift and haul large logs all day. Still the fact is, I'm in bluff country and this thing is not safe on anything except flat ground. The Tractor is an Iseki TA 247 which is a grey market Massey 1250. Nice tractor but more suited for my food plots and back blade work. Still Alive though.