Need help with overheating problem

[Coyote machine]

I would have to agree with all the possibilities that I have seen posted in response to your question.
One possibility that I haven't seen included is a warped head. Same symptoms as cracked head. I would have the head checked for flatness and magnafluxed to check for cracks.Cracks can't always be seen with the naked eye.
Art

Actually, I stated in post, #16: Replacing the gasket may have stopped the smoking, but doesn't mean the block or head surfaces aren't out of square, etc., etc.

I agree that is a distinct possibility, as is a problem with the lower end that might have been missed.
Info like number of hours on the clock could point to age related failure too.

 

[rockaa]

Its ony got 1400 hrs on it, but is a 1986.....
We also had to replace the injection pump several months ago.
apparently it was worn inside, the good people at Diesel Injection in Cincinnati thought it was due to continued use with fuel that lacked lubricity.

 

[Jerry/MT]

Hello Jerry/MT,
Having replaced head gasket, cracked head may be making sense......
Would a cracked head show itself another way also to verify??
Thanks,
-Mike

It's hard to sort out whether you have a blown head gasket or a cracked head without removing the head. Even then a cracked head can be hard to find. You might have to take it to a machine shop that can magnaflux it or uses whatever the latest technology is to find cracks.

 

[rockaa]

My wife just sent me this email:

We have the head off. The plan is to drop it to Monarch 7am Tuesday, I spoke with them already. No visable signs of cracks.
I'll order a new head gasket just to be safe. The hope will be for a warped head -Thanks Honey.....

 

[crazyal]

If the problem continues I would do a pressure test on the cooling system. If that checks out then I would look to find a radiator shop. They will have a tank they can soak the radiator in to dissolve anything in or on the radiator. They will inspect it and, if needed, they can recore it.

 

[rockaa]

It's possible your Case 385 has a hole in a cylinder liner from cavitation. Has the coolant been changed regularly or PH of coolant tested?

We got it used last fall, the coolant was terrible looking, we replaced all fluids, hydraulic oil looked like chocolate milk.

 

[Tx Jim]

We got it used last fall, the coolant was terrible looking, we replaced all fluids, hydraulic oil looked like chocolate milk.

Sounds as if your tractor is a very good candidate for having a hole in a cylinder liner or 2. In this day & age one of the worst things someone can do is put tap water in a cooling system or battery

 

[Coyote machine]

We got it used last fall, the coolant was terrible looking, we replaced all fluids, hydraulic oil looked like chocolate milk.

Not good signs of regular or any maintenance, unfortunately. You're getting on the right track, but sometimes it can be a long, expensive road. You must verify the block is flat and square before reassembly, and change both the oil and filter before restarting it. The head must pass a rigorous inspection for warpage, cracks, leaking valve stems, and anything else the machine shop can check for.
Then a careful reassembly of all components, assuming there is no evidence of engine block or cylinder liner damage.
Then you must make sure the cooling system, radiator, water pump, t-stat, etc. is functioning correctly with no increase in liquid once the engine head/cooling system is free of air and only flows coolant.
Without all the above, you'll be pulling that head over and over 'till the problem is found and solved.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

Wait until the machine shop magnafluxes the head. When they get it a part, cleaned up, it will be a lot easier to see. It is a possibility the head is warped?, I would have thought the black smoke would not have gone away. Look carefully at the block where the head seals to the water passages for pitting. Then check the block for warping particularly a crossed the head bolt holes and those nasty water passages. On the liner, one would have thought he would be seeing water in his oil. You have the head off now is the time to check. Those can be hard to see also, crank the engine over looking all the way to the bottom.. Those low hours the block warping? not likely, issues with bad water whole bunch more likely! I have seen brand new engines that they decided to run without coolant develop holes in the liners. Also, this is the second time the head has been off? Time for new head bolts? Someone that has had more particular experience with that engine maybe be able to point you to a known issue, and I don't know that engine that well to tell you what to do about the head bolts. If it was mine and they where not real expensive I would be buying a new set.

 

[BertZegers]

I don't know this tractor. Some times you have to replace cylinder bolts because they are stretched an don't torque right. Also make sure the bolt holes in the block are clean ( blow out ).

If cylinder linings are replaceable, the seal under one might leak. (then it shows coolant in the engine oil as well).