Injector Pump Oil Change Kama 554

[3RRL]

This weekend I thought to change the injector pump oil, since it has over 200 hours on it. It's a very simple service and will keep your injector pump in top shape.
I'll share a method that makes it a lot easier to do.
Instead of using the method suggested in the owners manual, where you add fluid and watch it drain out through the dipstick hole, I decided to get some of the old oil out by sucking it out. So I used my brake bleeder suction to suck the old oil out.
Here is the MightyVac suction kit.

[3RRL]

The Kama 554 injector pump has a dipstick on it. I removed the dipstick to check the oil level. It was full and still looked pretty good, but I thought it best to do this maintenance anyway for peace of mind.
Then I unscrewed the filler cap/vent. There is a plastic cap on mine that covers it so take that off first. Also, be sure not to lose the little copper washer under the cap.

[3RRL]

I stuck the hose into the dipstick hole and sucked out as much oil as I could. The bottle has measurements on it so I knew I had sucked out about 8 or 9 ounces. I say "about" because that was before I spilled a little. I forgot where I bought the kit ... Pep Boys maybe? But it worked real good.

I also used a hose over the end of a funnel to refill the pump. I poured in the new oil and waited for it to overflow out of the dipstick hole. I waited a long time, so I stuck in the dipstick back in. It took about 9oz when the level was at the mark on the dipstick.



Close up the top fill hole and you are done. A quick and easy way to do it.
Rob-

[grohgreg]

Interesting. I assumed your 495 would have had the same fuel delivery system as my 395. Mine has a drain plug. Even though I actually do own a MityVac, I just let gravity do the work.

I know you realize this, but I'd like to emphasize for novice readers; injector pump oil level and oil condition should be checked regularly. It's not uncommon for the oil sump to become contaminated with diesel fuel. A once a week check, and a half pint drain and refill is a helluva lot cheaper than looking at a new pump down the road.

//greg//

[3RRL]

While we are on the subject, here is the priming pump on the Kama 554 injector pump. Use it if you run out of fuel, and you need to re-prime the system. You would unscrew the knob and pump vigorously. Then crank the motor over and set the rpm above normal idle to say 1000 or 1200 or so. That helps insure fuel is getting sucked through the system.



The rack on the injector pump is accessed from the rear of the pump by unscrewing the cap. Then there will be two adjustable nuts and screws by which you can adjust the rack to determine how much fuel is delivered.
NOTE:
I would advise AGAINST messing with this adjustment unless you know how to do it. I am merely pointing out where the rack adjustment is located. If it is not adjusted correctly, there could be a lot of heat generated in your engine and you could melt your pistons or worse.

[3RRL]

Regarding what type of oil to use in the injector pump, I elected to use Sta Lube compressor oil. It is a non detergent 30w oil.
Now, is it the right oil to use in the injector pump?...I don't know. In my case, I will continue to use the gallon of compressor oil I have left. I have nearly 500 hours on this kind of oil with no apparent problems, so I don;t know.

What prompted me to using compressor oil came from reading Greg's explanation on TBN. At the time I didn't know any different and to be truthful, I don't know any more now than I did. There are many views on this and I have since learned that many use regular 30w motor oil, even 15w/40 motor oil. Some use non detergent oil like I do, but it's motor oil instead of compressor oil.

Most of all, I found any good oil should be acceptable.
So what do you think?

In previous discussions, there was a lot of input from several people.
It would be great to hear the pros and cons about injector pump oils again now that everyone has more hours on their tractors.
Maybe someone learned something new?
Rob-

[grohgreg]

Yes, I use non-detergent compressor oil. Right now it's a jug of Quin-Cip (Quincy) ISO100/SAE30. It's my understanding that non-detergent is preferred in situations where there's no filtration. I believe it's because you don't want a detergent additive keeping impurities suspended in the oil, when there's no filter to remove them. A non-detergent is supposed to let gravity settle impurities (carbon buildup in the case of a compressor) to the bottom of the sump.

That said, both the injection pump and the turbocharger share engine oil on my Mercedes - and that's full detergent 15W40 Rotella-T. But that actually make senses, due to the fact that the engine oil - to include that used by the pump and the turbo - is constantly cycled through the oil filter.

I've got a brochure for Quin-Cip around here somewhere, if anybody's interested.

//greg//

[quikduk]

I too use an ISO 100/30W non-detergent compressor oil per my dealer (Keno Tractors). They shared Greg's sentiments adding that since they switched to this type of injector lubrication, they have had zero ("0") injection pump problems or failures.

I use the brand, possibly Sta-Lube, that Wal-Mart sells in little blue 6-8oz. plastic bottles. Keno recommended that I change it out whenever I change my engine oil. Since I do that every 50 hours, it is easy to remember. I also do a thorough re-greasing of everything I can find at this time and check my gearbox and hydraulic fluid levels too.

[3RRL]

grohgreg said:

Interesting. I assumed your 495 would have had the same fuel delivery system as my 395. Mine has a drain plug. Even though I actually do own a MityVac, I just let gravity do the work.
//greg//

Greg,
I think you're right, that the injector pumps are the same, or very close.
Can you share a photo to point out where the drain plug is? That would help.
Perhaps I missed it?
Rob-

[grohgreg]

We're in our 3rd ice storm of the season at the moment (zero to one being the norm). I'll try to remember to take the camera out tomorrow

//greg//

[GuglioLS]

I've tried all kinds of oil in my injector. But eventually decided the best is 30 wt non detergent motor oil. Greg's got it right and I agree with the general consensus that non detergent is the oil to use when there is no filter. Thats what just about every lawn mower engine without a filter uses. I'm pretty sure compressor oil is 30 wt non detergent with the addition of additives for water dispersing, so it's formulation differs slightly from straight 30 wt non detergent motor oil. I like Greg's suggestion to drain and fill these pumps often, main reason - there ain't much oil in there to begin with so keeping it fresh and clean is good medicine.

Rob yours does not have a drain Mine has one but you got to really look underneath it, it's a little hard to get to but still accessible.

Great discussion -

Larry

[3RRL]

Rob yours does not have a drain Mine has one but you got to really look underneath it, it's a little hard to get to but still accessible.

I don't know, that's why I asked Greg to take that photo after the storms die off.
Perhaps I overlooked the drain plug, thinking it was something else? According to the manual, it says Greg's injector pump should be a BH3Q85R8 for all the 395's. The 495's should all be a BH4QT85R9. I checked mine and indeed it is a BH4QT85R9 for a fact.
I don't remember seeing a drain plug, but I could be wrong. The photo will help showing where to look specifically.
Rob-

[grohgreg]

Went out with camera Rob, slushy runoff from melting ice is such that I can't get a camera angle on the drain plug. The cold dirt floor and my arthritis discouraged laying down to photograph it from beneath. Anyway, it's a hex head plug - dead center on the underbelly of the governor housing. When standing -or even kneeling - it's not visible until you're nearly upside down. Run your hand underneath the governor housing, you'll feel it. I believe it takes a 10mm wrench, I recommend a box end or line wrench.

When it dries up some more, I can still take a photo if so requested.

//greg//

[bradblazer]

Oh, for pete's sake!

[3RRL]

Hahaha, looks like Brad saved both our backs!
Thanks Brad!
So I take it this is the drain plug then? Shees it's big ... how did I miss that?