More questions on oil pressure

I posted a question on my 230 oil pressure being low and got some good advice and appriciate it.

Now it seems as though my engine was just kinda hot and the oil was thin when when the pressure was low.

When I just start it up cold my oil pressure is fine. Meaning the needle is in the middle of the guage.

Now when the oil is hot the needle is on the second notch. There are 6 notches with 1 being zero and 6 being 75lbs

That means there is around 30-35 lbs pressure when cold, but about 15 lbs pressure when hot.

Is this something I have to worry about?

Thanks for the help.

Randy

I have been working on this tractor quite a bit since I got it last fall. It is running really really good and I thought I was done working on it for awhile.

I will probably use it for a while and take it easy, and plan on doing an overhall later on in the year.

Still beats a tractor payment anyway!

Randy

To me low oil pressure is something to be concerned about, otherwise why have a gauge? Does the engine use oil, smoke, or have less power than it should? If so you are probably due for a complete engine overhaul.

If low oil pressure is your only problem, I’d pull the pan and check the crankshaft bearings as you may have one or more that are “wobbled out” as Allen suggests. Check the crank for scratches, grooves, wear, out of round, etc, and the oil pump for blown gasket or warped end plate. If all looks good, a fresh set of the correct size bearings, (according to what the crank currently measures) might just be all you need. The camshaft bearings could also be worn and contribute to the low oil pressure, but to replace these you will have to split the tractor and pretty much tear the engine apart.

Good Luck!

You have the classic symptoms of wobbled out & bad engine bearings.

Allan

Are we talking crank bearings/rod bearings?

Since I am just doing gravel driveway maitinance and clearing snow(if we ever get any) and not farming, is this something I really have to worry about as long as I take it easy?

Thanks

Randy

Normally, an engine will run on a minimum of around 8 lbs of oil pressure without doing itself in.

I've seen lots of engines bangin' around with 20 lbs and they don't seem to be having much trouble. So, if you aren't planning to pull the guts out of the tractor, you might be okay for quite some time yet.

However, that 15 lbs of oil pressure is telling you that there is a problem in there. Yes, all crank and camshaft bearings.

If you start hearing a "hashy" sound coming from the top end, I'd think I'd bite the bullet and fix it before you loose a crankshaft.

And, please remember, this is just my view,

Allan