Oil pressure issue Super Major

[Roadless63]

Was running a recently acquired Super Major on the baler the other day, tractor had been stored for a long time so was fully serviced before I used it in anger. Oil/filter was changed I used some 15w40 diesel engine oil (along with air cleaner, fuel filters and injector pump oil)
Once it got up to operating temp I noticed oil pressure light was flickering at low engine speed, as the day wore on the lamp started to glow at higher and higher engine speeds. Eventually I decided it was either a faulty pressure switch or I was losing oil pressure.
I checked using a gauge the next day and with cold oil at full engine speed I am seeing about 25psi max (I did a comparison with my Roadless, I know this has a good engine and was reading 45psi). The tractor itself does not give the impression of being a worn out wreck, engine did not burn any oil, didn't seem to smoke excessively etc.
My only thoughts are either a blocked oil strainer pickup or faulty oil pump/relief valve. Any other suggestions?
With hay making well under way it will be a few days before I can investigate further but in the mean time I am trying to decide a plan of attack.

[super6954]

Hi
It sounds like its an oil pan off and take a look sadly . I would not mind betting the bearing shells could be getting down to the copper if you're unlucky. I have a super here that was like that. Majors are a bad motor for gauging motor ware from how it looks and runs . I have had many surprises with not bad starting / runners, and could hardly believe it ran a tall when it was stripped down and what was found . The joke here in my part of Manitoba is that a major would run with 2 pistons missing if you could get enough either in her to start it
Regards Robert

[AdrianNPMajor]

Your Roadless Super has the correct oil pressure. At 25psi I would be preparing myself for pulling the engine apart to have a good look to see what's happening. Catching it early can only be for the good.

Regards

Adrian

[Kim]

I agree with Adrian that catching it early beats an expensive breakdown. Obtain some plastigage from an auto parts store and check your oil clearances on the bearing journals. A new set of shells (inserts) are pretty easy to install and could solve the oil pressure problem immediately. A new sump gasket, clean the oil pickup screen while you're under there and you will likely be good to go. If you've never dropped a Major oil sump, be warned that the one on mine weighed 84 pounds- they're HEAVY! Good luck!