Cletrac 35, correct oil & fuel?

[Paul Murphy]

Hi,  I have a 35 that runs, but the oil hasn't been changed for at least 15 years in the engine or running gear. Also, the last fuel that was put in it was 5 gal. of regular unleaded.

As I understand it, I should be using a 30 or 40 weight "non-detergent" oil in the old Herculies engine and be putting a lead additive in the fuel. Is this true? What have you guys been using that works for you. What should I use for gear lube in the transmission and running gear?

I'm trying to get the tractor ready for winter and plan to start restoring it in the Spring of 09. Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Blake Malkamaki]

You should use 50 weight non-detergent oil in the transmission, final drives, and upper and lower track wheels. I would use a good detergent oil in the engine - if you want to stick with single viscosity, SAE 30 or 40 in the summer would probably be the best. If you want to use a multi-viscosity, I'd use 15W-40.

Regular unleaded gasoline should be just fine. You may get some vapor locking from it in very hot weather.

Blake

[Bob]

I always use 30 wt non detergent oil for the engine. 50 wt for the transmission case and all the rest. I run regular gas in all my old tractors and have no trouble with them. Once in a while I will put a little bit of Marvel Mystery oil in the gas for good measure so...

Bob