Service Bulletins

Cover many important maintenance topics of Porsche-Diesel tractors, are an interesting glimpse into Porsche-Disel history, and are available for download as a PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions

(Please e-mail any additional questions to Jamey)

Q: How do I start my P-D tractor in cold weather?
A: If the temperature is 20 F. degrees or below, get an additive to keep the diesel fuel from gelling then:
  1. Make sure you have a well charged battery and set your hand throttle to FULL position.
  2. Lift the little stop lever on the fuel rack at the injection pump (or push the little button on later models) to increase the fuel supply to the injector(s).
  3. Only, if it is very cold: Turn the 14 mm hex nut, or lever on later models, below each fuel injection pump back and forth to inject additional fuel into the combustion chamber.
  4. Push key into ignition switch – do not turn. (Turning the key turns the lights on).
  5. Pull starter switch to first intent position and hold until glow plug control wire gets red ( about 1 minute on older models and about 20 seconds on newer models).
  6. Pull starter switch all the way out and hold until engine runs. If it takes longer than 12 seconds, release switch and repeat the previous step.
  7. If engine turns over too slow, check condition of battery and/or clean the terminals on the battery as well as on the starter and the ground connection. Believe me, it will make a difference.
Q: What type of diesel fuel should I use?
A: Porsche-Diesel tractors and all older European type tractors were built to run on # 2 diesel fuel. This is what we call regular heating oil. If this is not available and you run your tractor only very few hours each year, you can use the diesel fuel you buy at the pump. However, the pump fuel has several additives that wash the lubrication from rings and pistons.
Q: What are the various fluid capacities and types for servicing my tractor?
A: All capacities in US-quarts unless otherwise noted.
SystemViscosityJunior
108		Standard
218		Super
308		Master
408
EngineSAE 20 (1)5.305.811.115.85
TransmissionSAE 90 (2)9 (3)21.121.1 (4)46.5
Rear Axle
(per side)		SAE 901.72.12.1-
Air FilterSAE 10-300.210.210.210.21
Belt PulleySAE 900.530.420.422.1
SteeringSAE 900.950.130.320.42
Power (3-pt.) Lift (5)SAE 10 (6)3.24.865.55.5
Hydraulic Clutch (7)SAE 103.53.76.96.6
Fuel Tank (8)#2 Diesel66.912.112.1
  1. For temperatures much in excess of 70 deg. F use SAE 30.
    For operation in temperatures below freezing use SAE 10.
    Always use a motor oil designed for diesel engines - available at any automotive parts store. Multi-viscosity and synthetic oils are fine.
  2. Transmission oil SAE 90 for all temperatures.
  3. Junior L 10 US-quart
  4. Super L 26.5 US-quart
  5. Capacity of 400 and 500 mkg (2892 and 3977 ft. lb.) power lifts is 4.2 US-quart.
    Capacity of 700 and 800 mkg (5061 and 5784 ft. lb.) is 5.3 US-quart.
  6. Use hydraulic oil (available at many automotive, farm supply, and hardware stores) or regular SAE 10 motor oil.
  7. Oil level at filler hole.
  8. Diesel fuel capacities given in US-gallons.
Q: How often should I replace the fuel filter?
A: Usually, there are 2 fuel filters in the system. On the older models, the primary filter sits inside the fuel tank and the secondary is inside its own container somewhere between the fuel tank and the injection pump(s). These filters should be replaced every 100 working hours or more often, depending on the use of the tractor. If you do not know when yours have been replaced the last time, replace them now. NAPA carries a correct replacement fuel filter for about $8.75 ( unless they are on sale) and the Napa filter number is: NAPA GOLD Fuel Filter 3167. Having clean diesel fuel really helps to extend the lifetime of your injection pumps and injector nozzles.
Q: How do I bleed the fuel system?
A: When you change the secondary fuel filter you have to drain all the fuel out of the tank. There is no shut-off valve in the system, so have a bucket ready. After you changed the filter or any time you disconnect the fuel lines, you will have to bleed the system:
  1. Fill tank with fresh, good diesel fuel
  2. Go to the secondary fuel filter down-line from the tank and slightly open the 10 mm bleed screw on top of the canister. Let the fuel drain out until you see no air bubbles.
  3. Close screw and go to the fuel injection pumps. Open slightly the 10 mm bleed screws on top of each pump and let the fuel drain out until you see no more air bubbles. Close each screw. Do not over tighten.
  4. On older models use a 14 mm wrench and manually move the 14 mm hex nut below each injection pump back and forth until you feel resistance and hear a cracking noise. On newer models use the lever below each pump. That means that the fuel line between the pump and the injector is pressurized. Repeat procedure on each pump. If you do not feel any resistance, turn flywheel approx. one-half revolution. The whole system down to the injectors must be free of any and all air for your tractor to start and run right. Bleeding must be done manually since the injection pumps do not have such a capability.
Q: What are the paint codes for my Porsche-Diesel?
A: The correct German paint codes are as follows:
  • German # for the red is RAL 3002 - Dupont USA is #G1152
  • German # for light yellow I RAL 1014 - Dupont USA is #G1129
  • German # for Orange for the AP17 is 2010
OK, having said that, these codes really do not mean a lot. Why? If you try to repaint your tractor using the the German code number, every American paint manufacturer comes up with a different shade of red or yellow or orange. Similarly, when you try to touch up parts of your tractor, the body shop will need to scan a clean part of the tractor so they can match your slightly faded paint just perfectly.

If you are repainting your entire tractor then the correct American mixing codes for red and light yellow are provided below courtesy of a Registry member who went through a lengthy process to make his tractor perfect:

Brand: PPG Acrylic Urethane
Type: DCC - Single Stage 4:2:1

DCC4068 "MIMOSA"
(creamy yellow)

Qty: 2 Quarts
Code Color Cumulative Parts
DMC900 Str. Whi 2097.6 2097.6
DMC908 Yellow 2445.0 347.4
DMC905 Yellow 2707.4 262.4
DMC902 Black 2718.0 10.6

DCC73831 H
(red)

Qty: 1 Gallon
Code Color Cumulative Parts
DMC909 Orange Orange 3658.8 3658.8
DMC931 Violet 5241.2 1582.4
DMC905 Yellow 5401.2 160.0
DMC900 Str. Whi 5515.2 114.0
DMC902 Black 5542.8 27.6
Q: How do I repair/rebuild the clutch?
A: See Roland's clutch repair/rebuild document.