JDcrawlers Messageboard

At this point, my big question is DETERGENT or NON DETERGENT oil?
I think 30 W or 40 W will be fine, depending on operating environment temps and the amount of wear in the engine.
40W may be a little tough on starting in cold weather.

Stan,

What brand and model chipper do you have?

I know it looks like I am making a career out of this topic :o , but, I just want to be sure since I am brand new to this little engine. The JD SM-2028 for the GM 2-53 states on page 110-20-1, "Satisfactory long-time operation of HEAVY-DUTY ENGINES requires use of highly detergent HEAVY DUTY LUBRICA...

I am brand new to the GM 2-53 diesel. I am familiar with the JD made diesels but this 2-53 is a different breed. I was pushing some light dirt loads and a few rotten stumps. I had been running for about 30 minutes. The temp and oil pressure were good. Sparks of carbon began to come out of the exhaus...

Lavoy, Many thanks, you just saved me from a potential mistake. Out of habit, I buy Rotella in bulk. Based on your comments, it will not go in my 2-53. What oil do you think is right for the 2-53? Thanks for the other lube info also. Manuals are due any day but I want to service this thing before I ...

Scott, I really appreciate your reply. I posted these questions twice and you are the only one that has replied so far. I have had good luck with running Shell Rotella in everything from a Powerstroke to a 730D. Would I be taking a risk using Rotella in this Detroit? Can you guide me with the other ...

What are the best lubes for the following:

1. GM 2-53 Diesel
2. Reverser
3. Tranny
4. Final drives
5. Grease for bottom rollers, top roller, etc.

Thanks, I have manuals coming, but I want to service it now.

Please tell me your favorite lubes, weights and brands for the following:

GM 2-53 Diesel
Tranny
Final drives

Lavoy,

Thanks for that info. I will "make it" a 1959 if I can find the correct tag, know where I can get one for a 440 ICD?

Jim, The one I have is rated at 4.5 inch diameter. It seems to handle almost all that I need to put in it.
I am using mine to chip low hanging limbs. If they are too big for the chipper (+4.5 inch D), I just cut them in to firewood.
I have been very pleased with this one.

I have a 440 ICD with no serial number tag. The decals are partially visible under a layer of paint and they are the bold, not the script. So that makes me think it is not a 1958.
Anyone have a way of telling the year without a tag on it? Anyone have a 1959 serial number tag they do not need?

I have a PTO chipper that I run on a 1950 JD M with a converted 3 point hitch. I think it works great. I run the M at full throttle which gives me about 540 RPM. It will eat whatever you put in there as long as you are not trying to do a major job like the big units will do.