[Farmall] H Questions

[Mike Sloane]

I completely agree with DBigdog. I would only add that a 50/50 mix of 
antifreeze will get you down to something like -30° F; if you live in a 
milder climate, you can probably get away with a little less antifreeze. 
The other advantage of using antifreeze in the coolant is that modern 
formulations have rust inhibitors included, which helps to keep the 
water jacket free of rust.

As far as hydraulic fluid, look on the container - if it is the right 
fluid for your older Farmall, it will say somewhere that it is 
"equivalent to Case IH Hy-Tran", as well as several other Ford, JD, AC, 
etc. similar fluids. Some of the fluids for newer machines are much 
thinner and would not be suitable for older tractors.

If your '49 has a hydraulic system (very unusual) it would likely have 
been the old transmission driven "Lift-All" (a.k.a. "belly pump") which 
called for 30 weight non detergent motor oil. The only potential 
downside of using Hy-Tran equivalent in the Lift-All is that some of the 
older seals might weep, or excess pump wear would create cavitation. If, 
on the other hand, the tractor has a later after-market hydraulic 
system, you are probably fine with regular hydraulic fluid.

Mike

DBigdog wrote:
> Tim,
>     To answer your first two questions - yes, 50/50 mix from the auto parts 
> stores will be fine and your tractor will run fine on regular grade unleaded 
> fuel.
>     Hydraulic oil selection is often based on previous experience but I have 
> found that these older systems work fine on the generic "hydraulic fluid" 
> you find in places like TSC.  You can't go wrong with Hy-Tran or equivalent 
> fluids.
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: Tim Savelle
> To: Farmall/IHC mailing list
> Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2010 8:49 AM
> Subject: [Farmall] H Questions
> 
> 
> I recently purchased a 1949 H and could use some information if someone
> wouldn't mind passing along advice.
> 
> 1. Is it ok to use the standard 50/50 water/antifreeze mix that you can
> purchase at auto parts stores?
> 
> 2. Is regular unleaded gasoline ok, or is it better to use mid-grade or
> premium?
> 
> 3. What is the recommended type of hydraulic system fluid?
> 
> Thanks for the help.
> Tim