Maximum amount of time sitting before needing to prime oil pump?

[punchofdeath]

My question is in the subject. Going to college now and I'm not home to drive my Cub like I used to. Last time it was run was either August 21 or 22. Going home this weekend and would like to go for a good cruise but I'm unsure if I should prime the oil pump. I've never had it lose prime before and the longest its sat in the past year and half is two weeks

Thanks
~CG

[IHCFan1950]

Take the Cub with you to college and park it in your room mates garage. You will be the only kid driving an antique tractor to college! And got to admit, the coolest one too in my opinion!

Getting serious now, I have no clue about the oil pump. I have also wondered this as well, so I am also awaiting response to your question. My guess would be close to a month.

[Shane Nelson]

I’d say years just not sure how many.

[Crimson Tim]

I would think each tractor would be different. A badly worn engine with larger clearances is likely to lose it faster than a fresh rebuild with tight tolerances. Other factors like ambient temperature and certainly the particular oil play a role, too.
Not speaking from experience, mind you, but I would think a couple months would most likely be fine. A year or two? Maybe not so much.

[Bob McCarty]

When you next start it, watch the oil gauge. If it doesn't register in 30 seconds, stop and prime.

[Eugene]

When you next start it, watch the oil gauge. If it doesn't register in 30 seconds, stop and prime.

Yup. Watch the oil gauge immediately after and every time you start the engine.

My tractors sit for many months. What I do, is every month or so during the winter is start them up to charge the battery and keep the engine oiled.

[TallCoolOne58]

I'm with Bob and Eugene 100%. I check my oil level every time BEFORE I start my tractor, and the oil pressure gauge every time AFTER I start my tractor (might as well do something useful in the seat during the 5-10 minute warm-up). I also use the '30 second' rule upon initial start-up after engine oil and filter change. Then, a quick check for leaks.

[k hutchins]

Sometimes mine will sit for months in the winter if we don't get enough snow to plow, and mine would definitely be described as a bit worn since it's a '48 and has never been rebuilt. I don't think 2 months would be too long. Just to be on the safe side, do as the others have suggested and check the gauge upon start up.