Stuart: Thanks for the explanation. I think I finally understand the concept. As for the old tractor. I think the problem is mainly that it is old. It runs fine for the use I will put it to, which is just to run around the place once in a while, and maybe in a parade. If I were to try to work it, it would need an overhaul. I just assumed that everything is worn, all tolerances are loose and the light oil just didn't build up much pressure. Maybe it doesn't work that way.
It probably didn't carry much pressure when it was new. No oil goes to the top of the motor at all. It was designed with small oil containers on the top of the valve cover. If you are using it you should fill them about twice a day. I have never had the cover off, but I assume that oils the rocker, valve guides, push rods, etc. Thanks again. Hope you have a nice christmas. Allen
PS: It's kind of an interesting old machine. It has no water pump. I think they called it a perculator system. It is cooled by the water in the block getting hot enough to boil. It will then force water to the top of the radiator, just like the old fashioned perculators, the cool water in the bottom of the radiator goes back in the block, and it starts over again. If I run it for a while until it gets good and hot, and then shut it off, I can hear the water percolating for a while, just like the old coffee makers.
