5500 cold hyd. dead until tractor op is reached.

[Lester Ware]

Thanks guys, for your thoughts. I was under the impression that I could tell by the clarity of the oil if it had water present. I know if you blow a head gasket and get water in the engine oil, you know it by the milky color of the oil. I was using the same logic. I will get this crackle test done asap. I now tend to agree that water must be my problem. I found the location of the pickup screen but have not checked it yet. I'm going to get my test oil from this port on the tractor.
P.S. 8deg. F. here tonight.

 

[brucew44guns]

Take your oil sample from a low point if you can, I have put a spoon-full of oil on a piece of aluminum foil, using a small flame to heat from the underside. The water will boil right out of the oil and sputter a bit. But water should make the oil look a bit cloudy and dull looking, not the usual bright shiny look.