Changing the Oil in Your Tractor is essential to the life of your tractor. It runs through the components of the engine and keeps everything running smoothly. Metal shards and debris from the machinery accumulate in the engine oil over time, making it prone to overheating and combustion. Other contaminants such as moisture can also disrupt your engine function. This is why consistently changing your engine oil is crucial to keep your tractor performing at its best.
What Tools will you Need?
Changing engine oil is a simple task that can be done in your garage with the right set of tools and equipment. In Texas, these tools are readily available at our tractor dealer in Texas. Let’s take a look at the tools you’ll need to change your oil successfully:
- A wrench to remove the drain plug
- Drain pan to catch the dirty oil
- Safety gloves
- An oil filter wrench or socket to remove the oil filter
- O- rings, crush washers, or rubber gaskets for the drain plug and oil filter
- New oil
- Oil filter
Changing the Oil in Your Tractor
Park your tractor on a level, stable surface and set the parking brake before starting your oil change. You should also consider wedging the tires and taking the key out of the ignition for safety.
Step 1: Check the Specifications of Your Tractor
Understanding the specifications of the tools and equipment you need for the oil change is extremely important. You can refer to your owner’s manual for this or contact a tractor repair service.
Pay attention to the recommended oil, the engine’s oil capacity, and the size and type of oil filter needed. Take note of these as you will need them during the oil change.
Step 2: Drain the Oil
Locate the tractor’s drain plug. This is usually a large-headed bolt found at the bottom of the engine block. Use the owner’s manual for assistance if you can’t find it. Things can get oily, so it is recommended that you wear your safety gloves to prevent any adverse reactions to your skin.
Once you are ready, loosen the drain plug using the wrench and unthread it with your hands. The oil will begin draining. Use your drain pan to catch the oil. Check for a crush washer that seals the drain plug to the engine plug. You will have to replace this to prevent any leaking once you fill the chamber with fresh oil.
Step 3: Remove the Filter
Since the draining process takes some time, you can use this time to remove the oil filter. Then, with another oil pan ready, find the oil filter. Oil filters are usually either spin-on or housed in a canister. Use the appropriate oil filter wrench to remove it.
Pay attention to any O-rings or rubber gaskets present. These need to be replaced. Re-installing a fresh oil filter without changing the O-rings or rubber gaskets could result in “double-gaskets” and cause leaks.
You should also note how the various parts come off as you will have to replace them in the same order.
Step 4: Getting the Parts
At this point in the process, it’s time to head to the store. As mentioned earlier, supplies and spares for an oil change are readily available throughout Texas. Visit a farm equipment service store, a lawn tractor service store, or a tractor dealer in Texas to get the parts you need.
During your shopping run, ensure that you get an adequate number of spare parts to avoid additional trips.
Step 5: Reinstall the Filter
Once you have all the parts, the first component you need to reinstall is the oil filter. From here, you must replace the parts exactly how you take them apart.
To install your new oil filter, first coat all O-rings or rubber gaskets with fresh oil. If you are dealing with a bigger engine, prime the components by filling the filter assembly with new oil before installation.
If you are using a spin-on filter, thread it onto the engine using your hand and tighten it until it is set firm against the motor. Then, use the oil filter wrench to tighten it again. Avoid tightening it too much as the heat from the engine tightens the seal over time.
If the filter is housed in a canister, you will have to reinstall the components exactly as they were taken apart and install the canister back onto the engine.
Step 6: Tighten the Drain Plug
Next, we tighten the drain plug. It must also go back exactly the way it was taken apart. Fix the new washer or O-ring on the plug and thread it onto the engine. Tighten it using your hand and then tighten it further with the wrench.
Step 7: Put in New Oil
With the oil filter and the drain plug reinstalled, you can now pour in the new oil. Fill according to the specifications and use a dipstick to check the oil level. Tighten the oil cap once you are finished.
Step 8: Check for Leaks
Fire up your tractor with the gear in neutral and let it idle for about 30 seconds. Check for leaks around the oil filter and the drain plug while the engine is on and again after a few seconds of turning it off.
Finally, check the oil in your chamber with the dipstick to ensure that oil levels haven’t dropped too much.
Looking for Parts or Assistance?
Preventive maintenance is an essential part of keeping your machines up to date. Changing your oil is a crucial but simple task in tractor repair and maintenance that could prove particularly beneficial in the overall performance of your tractor.
If you are looking for parts or tractor repair in Texas, visit Diamond B Tractors & Equipment, one of the best tractor specialists in the state! We provide quality parts, efficient service, and great customization options for all your needs. Keep your tractor running smoothly with help from our excellent staff!