head gasket.........(sheesh)

stormpetrel · Jan 1, 2011

After getting the engine running nice and cool, AND watching it like a hawk, checking temperature with a thermometer after running it each and every time...... I noticed a distinct "exhaust-y" noise yesterday. It seemed like it was less smooth; it was easier to tell by this new sound that the engine was two cylinders.

I fired her up this morning, checked the overflow bottle, and noticed bubbles!!!

I guess I know what the next project on the tractor will be !!:confused2:

I'm worried that since the blown head gasket was caused by overheating, the head may be warped. What are the chances of that? Can I check for it reliably myself? Or do I need to take the head to a machine shop?

I also need to know what other gaskets or parts I should need to do the job. Also, how much time can I reasonably expect to take to do the job? Half a day or so?

Thanks in advance for your help

Steve

Kays Supply · Jan 1, 2011

Take it to a shop. The one I did was cracked between the valves. That happens not a lot but it happens.

Gary Sweat · Jan 1, 2011

A good engine machine shop can flush and clean the head, check the valve guides and seats as well as resurface the head if needed. Takes care of several things all at one time.

bowinelk · Jan 1, 2011

Gary Sweat said:
A good engine machine shop can flush and clean the head, check the valve guides and seats as well as resurface the head if needed. Takes care of several things all at one time.

I agree with Gary, spend the extra and get the head checked out. Should be less than $150 unless of course head is cracked. If you put it back together and found out there was problem with head. then you would have to purchase a new head gasket which it alone isn't cheap.

As far as time involved in tearing it down and putting it back together. Less than a day if you are not waiting on parts or work from machine shop.

I suggest taking radiator in and having flow/pressure test done on it since you experienced over heating. $25-$35 at a local radiator shop.

stormpetrel · Jan 2, 2011

Thanks guys, sounds like good advice. Aside from overheating (which it hasn't done since cleaning the fluff out of the radiator), is there any danger to the engine running with the blown head gasket? I didn't notice any loss of power, and the engine temp never got above 160 after working her for a couple of hours. The only thing that clued me in was the funny exhaust note; if it hadn't of been for that, I wouldn't have looked for bubbles in the bottle.

Kyle_in_Tex · Jan 2, 2011

When you turn off the engine and 1 of the cylinders is at the down stroke, it will fill up with coolant which is uncompressable. When you go to start it, it will more than likely bend your rod or something else terrible.

DO NOT RUN IT LIKE THIS is my recommendation.

winston1 · Jan 2, 2011

I agree with kyle. Not a good idea to run it. Water in oil, oil in water, not a good mix either. If it is leaking, it can only get worse, not better. :thumbsup:

careyo63 · Jan 2, 2011

If anyone tells you to try Stop Leak easy fix in a Bottle then RUN !!!!!! I have seen more problems most likely caused by it then it helps.It will clog up some small holes alright. In your Radiator :ashamed:

Carey

stormpetrel · Jan 2, 2011

careyo63 said:
If anyone tells you to try Stop Leak easy fix in a Bottle then RUN !!!!!! I have seen more problems most likely caused by it then it helps.It will clog up some small holes alright. In your Radiator :ashamed:

Carey

Funny you should mention that Carey.....I just finished filling the cylinders with stop leak!!! NOT!!!!!:laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing:

I don't have a repair manual for the engine. Do I need one? Seems like the engine's awfully simple. Except for the torque specs, do I really need one?

6thgpSF · Jan 2, 2011

when I replaced my head gasket I took the head to a machine shop to check for cracks and warpage,I also had new springs put in it.Not sure what your tractor is but in my 1610d I had to take the water pump off so I needed a new gasket for that and also valve cover gasket.While I had it tore down I went ahead and took the radiator to a shop and had it rooded and cored and put new hoses on.To me a manuel was helpful especially when setting the valves and torquing the head bolts.Forget to say I bought new head bolts after reading here the old ones stretch when torqued. russ