I appreciate the quick reply, sound guy. Answers to follow up questions are...
1. when was the last time you changed the oil?
The oil was changed in early spring of this year, and again with the same after the blow by started smoking.
2. what oil did you use?
With Traveller Diesel Engine Oil SAE 30, Ford FL1A filter.
3. is the oil overfull? / is it making oil?
Not overfull and not making oil
4. does it smell like diesel?
It smells like diesel exhaust but not like raw fuel.
5. if it has an inline pump.. have you serviced it's oil?
It has simms injectors, but I've not fooled with fuel system.
6. does she have the power you need?
Power and pull is fine, was bush hogging under load when smoking started, it ( smoking) increased as I finished last 2 acres of job. Changed oil and filter since and smoking is getting worse ( from bb tube)
7. does she start ok cold?
It starts fine, within 5-10 seconds, without any trouble.
As stated in post, it appears to have a lot of hours ( 5700) but it has been a great little tractor for the last 2 years. Minor repairs, generator-regulator replacement, and a new battery. I've no real experience in engine rebuilding and am hesitant about putting a lot of money in an older machine.