Hi guys, I brought a L1500DT with the bucket, grate little tractor however I noticed the oil light coming on. First thing I did was put a mechanical gauge on it. The gauge shows about 7 p.s.i at 1800 r.p.m @ operating temp. Pulled the timing cover off to check the cam plug. Plug still in place. The Kubota people here in Australia told me the oil pumps on these motors never fail, the bypass and the relief valve seem to be ok. So I was wondering what else it could be? I'm leaning to the oil pump being bad.
SOLVED. 175/L1500 Low oil pressure. Not the cam plug.
- Thread starter Kangarabbit
- Start date
I'd probably opt for the spring on the oil pressure relief valve first. They oil pump can fail but not often. Could the pickup line be blocked or in some way not picking up oil properly? If you're using the proper grade of oil it's POSSIBLE your bearings are worn out of spec.
Hi, I think from memory it has between 200 and 300 hours. Its at the farm about 200km away so I can't just go to the shed and look sorry. UPDATE... It shows 264 hours on the clock but being a 40 plus years old tractor seems a little wrong to me.
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Thank you for taking the time to reply. I will look into all of those things But for less than $200 aud I will be replacing the pump as I have to pull the front off the motor anyway.
It should not be ”worn” to the point of lost oil pressure with only 200-300 hours. (You could have skipped all oil changes and it would not result is such low pressure within that time-frame as long as it had sufficient oil, IMO.)
So, I believe there is a definitely a failure of some sort if you have placed an accurate gauge on it and see only 7 psi at such low hours. It’s also unlikely to be the pressure-relief spring but that’s certainly something to check to see if dirt is holding it open. .
North Idaho Wolfman
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#1 there are 2 cam plugs in that model, one in the front and one in the back of the cam.
#2 have you pulled the pan? A plugged up suction screen seems way more likely that a bad oil pump, these oil pumps just don't fail, it's probably the one part that I've seen that can have thousands of hours on it and show Zero signs of ware.
While you have the pan off check the rods for any play.
It's not only the up and down that you look for play in, look for side to side movement too as that shows an issue with thrust bearings.
#2 have you pulled the pan? A plugged up suction screen seems way more likely that a bad oil pump, these oil pumps just don't fail, it's probably the one part that I've seen that can have thousands of hours on it and show Zero signs of ware.
While you have the pan off check the rods for any play.
It's not only the up and down that you look for play in, look for side to side movement too as that shows an issue with thrust bearings.
In most hydraulic (oil ) systems , there is a pressure relief valve, sometimes just a ball and spring. If something gets under the seat of the ball, it will leak pressure, especially at idle. Make sure you check that before you spend all this time and money .
Well its time for an update. Roadworthy and ipz2222 was spot on The spring in the relief valve was damaged and not working properly. I didn't end up replacing the oil pump but it was damaged but fixable. So after some honing deep scratches and a new spring I have 64 p.s.i. Thank you to the legends who took the time to steer me in the right direction it is very much appreciated.
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