Low oil pressure on IXK3

rick b · October 07, 2014, 03:30:14 AM

Hello. I'm a new member. I am restoring a 1949 HG42 my dad bought new and got it running tonight after almost 40 years. the motor has been replaced with IXK3. I ground valves and valve seats. Cylinders look good doesn't smoke and actually runs good but has what I would consider low oil pressure about 5 lbs idle and 10 lbs at higher rpm. The "oil tube" for the screw on oil filter housing is missing. The tube has a very small orifice at the end that goes into the oil filter. Is this tube necessary for higher oil pressure to cause back pressure to oil pump? I realize that the tube pumps oil through the filter and is important for that reason. I'm excited to drive this crawler since I was not old enough to drive it but always remember dad using it and sitting on his lap and pulling the steering levers

. Any help would be great!!

Blake Malkamaki · October 08, 2014, 03:05:52 AM

If you have at least 5 psi oil pressure at idle you should be ok. I'm not sure if there is an adjustment from the outside on that oil pump or not. Some of the larger engines could be adjusted through a plug in the side of the pan.

rick b · October 08, 2014, 02:10:46 PM

thanks Blake. There is an oil adjustment on this motor. I can try adjusting that and I will order the tube just to be safe. Allis Chalmers WD uses the same oil filter so I can order one from local dealer. I would think it will fit. Thanks for the help.

Blake Malkamaki · October 08, 2014, 10:38:08 PM

My grandfather, who was Experimental Engineer at Cletrac, always said all you need is 5 psi oil pressure on an engine like this. All you're really doing is circulating the oil around so it gets to all the bearings, filter, etc. Now on a modern engine with hydraulic lifters it's a different story - I don't think 5 psi would be adequate for them.

I forget how that tube goes on the filters - is it the oil entering the filter, or exiting the filter? It shouldn't have anything to do with pressure, but probably maintains the level in the filter itself so the filter works more efficiently and doesn't just have the oil laying at the bottom.

Blake

rick b · October 09, 2014, 02:59:34 AM

Thats good to know about 5 lbs enough oil pressure. I believe the oil enters the filter. There is a ball check valve on bottom of filter housing that I believe does not allow oil to drain from filter when engine not running. I may still buy a tube to get adequate filtering of oil. Next is inspect drive train, steam clean and paint. Next summer project. thanks for the help Blake

Rick

Blake Malkamaki · October 10, 2014, 03:45:00 AM

You're welcome. Good luck!

coffeecreek · October 17, 2014, 02:57:29 AM

On one of my HG's I pulled the pan because of erratic pressure .The oil pickup is a screened in area at the bottom of the pan . The screens were so clogged it wouldn't have enough oil in that area for the pump . If it's been sitting for 40 years I think I'd pull the pan .

rick b · October 18, 2014, 04:19:27 AM

That's a good point. I poured about 2 gallons of diesel fuel into engine and let sit for a couple days and drained and flushed again and a lot of sludge drained out. I need to mount radiator and add water so I can run engine longer and I will monitor oil pressure more closely. I may need to pull pan and take good look at lower end. Thanks for the tip coffeecreek.
Rick