Oil & Fuel Using Oil

BartComa · Jan 15, 2008

I have a 1988 Ford 1920 with 2640hrs with a 7108 loader. I have owned it for two years and during that time I have repaired and replaced many parts and re-painted the tractor, and as it is right now, it is fine running tractor and serves me well. It starts easy, warm or cold, has little or no blow by and plenty of power.

When I first starting working on the tractor I noticed it was not coming up to temperature and had oil/fuel coming out of the exhaust. Turns out that is what's called diesel slobber, due to the fact that I was not working the tractor hard enough. So I ran a brush hog for a while, the operating temperature came up a little and the slobber started to dry up. The operating temperature was still on the cold side so we replaced the water pump, hoses, belts and thermostat. The temperature was still on the low side so I resorted to partially blocking the radiator winter and summer with cardboard and always keeping an eye on the temperature gauge. Now the temperature is where it needs to be and the slobber went away.

The only problem I see is that the tractor is using oil, about 8oz in 15hrs. and I am using Mobil 1 5W40
I really do not see any leaks and no blue smoke as it starts or as it runs, the only time I see light blue smoke out the exhaust is when I throttle up from idle, lets say from 1400rpm to 2000rpm.

Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.

IH3444 · Jan 16, 2008

If you are using M1 5w-40, in warm weather, go up a grade and see if the oil consumption goes down. With 2640 hours, there is some engine cylinder/piston ring wear. You are not the first owner, and previous owner may have used a heavier weight oil.

jinman · Jan 16, 2008

If your tractor has spent most of its life running cool, cylinder wear may have been the result. I'd go to a heavier weight oil as IH3444 suggested. Even so, it will always probably use a little oil. The minor damage has already been done.

BartComa · Jan 16, 2008

IH344,jinman:

Thanks for your comments.

Since I only put on less than 50 hours on the tractor last season, the oil consumption is less than a quart, it's not a big deal. I just need to check the oil and keep it topped off.

But, I would like to make it right if I could. What I have not done is have the injectors tested and haven't had a compression test done. I have been told to leave well enough alone, do to the fact that the tractor starts and runs as well as does. If it needs anything I should look to see if it needs valve stem guide seals.

Bart

Soundguy · Jan 16, 2008

I always ran 15w40 in mine.. I live in florida.. but if you look a tthe temp chart.. 15w40 cover all but arctic conditions.

Mine was always happy with the 15w40.. etc.

soundguy