![\"Old](\"http:\/\/www.appleattic.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/20058.jpg\")
<\/a>Old oil – looks bad, smells worse<\/p><\/div>\n
The oil capacity is rated at about 5 gallons; only 2 gallons drained out. This seems to be another example of little\u00a0or no maintenance done over the years\u00a0on this poor old 8N.<\/p>\n
While the oil was draining I pulled the PTO (power take off) shaft out of the back of the tractor and replaced it’s oil seal. The old seal had been leaking as evidenced by the buildup of greasy dirt around the end of the shaft. Since the oil needed to be drained to accomplish this repair it was an opportune time to get this work done. One more task done, one that (I hope) will result in fewer oil leaks on my parking pad.<\/p>\n
I put new gaskets on the drain plugs and reinstalled them,\u00a0then put in the new gear oil. After starting the tractor I worked the lift a few times, up and down, and all seems to be OK. I suspect I will replace the oil again in a few months after\u00a0I work the tractor for a while. Any old stuff left in the nooks and crannies will get mixed up with the\u00a0fresh oil and should\u00a0be drained out in the next change. The oil costs about $50.00 plus a few bucks for the gaskets, not a huge investment to make sure the hydraulic lift and gears get the lubrication they need. Getting the gear oil changed is another task to be marked off the list of needed repairs and maintenance.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Fresh oil comes in 2-gallon jugs<\/p><\/div>\n
Next task: Reinstall the air cleaner system. The tractor has been sucking in unfiltered air for some years,\u00a0I suspect! The air cleaner, which is known as an oil-bath filter, was sitting in\u00a0Mom’s garage when I brought the tractor to Colorado so I have the parts, but there is a junction at the hood that appears to be damaged and will need work.<\/p>\n
Sanderling driveway update: No movement. The contractor wrote that 2 more storms and a strong wind had come through this past week and dumped even more snow on the lot. He will keep us posted.<\/p>\n
The cats were jealous that I posted dog photos in my last post and wanted equal time. Here is a recent cat photo:<\/p>\n
<\/a>London (left) and Antonio<\/p><\/div>\n
I had my motorcycle out for the first ride of the season before the last snow fall. Not much of a ride – 26 miles – but it was nice to get up on 2 wheels again. I checked my log and found I had ridden 8,420 miles last year. This included a long trip to Ohio, not in the works for this year, but\u00a0I do hope to make it to California. A CA rally is tentatively scheduled for mid-July.<\/p>\n
We had the rear struts replaced on the Subaru. $614.00. Not fun, but has to be done as we expect to be pulling the trailer to and from the Sanderling lot more this year than we did last year. Next up is purchasing a new set of tires. We are still running on the factory original rubber after more than 85,000 miles, and it is about time for a new set.<\/p>\n
Days are getting longer and most of the recent snow has melted. Forecast is to hit 50 degrees this weekend, close to our normal of 48, and we are ready for it.<\/p>\n
Pam bought a roller caddy to help haul her briefcase + purse + lunch bag + misc. to and from work. Because she works at home 2 days a week, Pam brings home a lot of material. Rather than trying to carry all of this stuff in her hands, sister Becky suggested Pam investigate wheels. \u00a0 Pam decided to try this L. L. Bean roller caddy.<\/p>\n