Low oil pressure on D200

[slufoot733 70]

Today I fired up my 1978 D200 to clear 5" of fresh snow with the snow thrower. All was fine for about 20 minutes. I brushed some snow off the face of the gauges and noted the oil pressure hovering just above 0. Usually this gauge reads about 20 lbs or better. I checked the oil before start up. I always check the oil first. I parked the tractor in the shed and finished with my JD and plow. 

I'll get into this very soon but thought I'd ask up front if anyone might have a thought on where to start.....what to look for first. I'll start with an oil change and new filter. Maybe the filter is clogged, though it's only six months old. 

Anyone have an idea what to check next? I'm praying it's not the oil pump. That could be a major problem.

Edited December 26, 2020 by slufoot733

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,451]

I would make sure you are getting power to the dash oil pressure gauge. Then check the wire going going to the oil pressure sensor for continuity.

A wire diagram here if you click on the picture in the link.

Then switch out the electric oil pressure sending unit with a mechanical oil pressure gauge and see what pressure you have.

 

Garry

[953 nut 59,802]

       Oil pumps don't suddenly give out, but 42 year old wiring connections can be corroded or loose.

[pfrederi 18,639]

My D200 was converted to a mechanical gauge had the gauge feed line fail once.

[slufoot733 70]

Thanks guys, I feel better about this. The wires should be easy to trace and replace. A mechanical gauge is a good idea also. I'll start on this right after Jan 1st. Since we can't 'socialize' much I'll have lots of time with my tractors this winter.

 

Happy New Years everyone!

 

[pacer 3,177]

Or..... you could just do without it!

 

My 200's gage didnt work when I got it some 5-6 yrs ago and I kept saying "I guess I oughta fix that....." but, as with a lot of things, I never got around to it. None of my other D's even had a gage and they functioned very well.... soooooo.

[slufoot733 70]

Pacer, doing without makes me nervous. Oil is the life blood of every engine. If the gauge, wire or sending unit is bad, no big deal. BUT if it is giving me the real oil pressure then I need to address that I've had engines seize up due to low or no oil pressure It ain't fun, and in this case it could end the life of this tractor. At my age I cannot afford the time or money to repair it.

 

That being said, I will check the wiring and sending unit. I may even convert to a mechanical unit. 

Edited December 27, 2020 by slufoot733

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,451]

If you still can't find a gauge problem pull the spark plugs and with the sending unit removed crank it over to see if it pushes any oil out. At least it will not be running with no oil pressure.

[slufoot733 70]

UPDATE:     I got into this a little bit today.  First thing was check all the electrical connections. Sure enough, after removing and reconnecting the slip connectors the gauge moved to 20 psi. That alone tells me I need to clean up the wiring. So....when I get a warmer day and some time I plan to trace the wiring and clean or replace the wires and/or connections. 

 

Thank you all, I appreciate the ideas and help.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR everybody!  

Edited December 31, 2020 by slufoot733

[953 nut 59,802]

8 hours ago, slufoot733 said:

UPDATE:     I got into this a little bit today.  First thing was check all the electrical connections. Sure enough, after removing and reconnecting the slip connectors the gauge moved to 20 psi. That along tells me I need to clean up the wiring. So....when I get a warmer day and some time I plan to trace the wiring and clean or replace the wires and/or connections. 

 

Thank you all, I appreciate the ideas and help.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR everybody!  

 

On 12/26/2020 at 6:46 AM, 953 nut said:

       Oil pumps don't suddenly give out, but 42 year old wiring connections can be corroded or loose.