A small leak

paccorti · Jan 21, 2002

I just performed this fix. I might add that in additon to removing the oil filter you can also remove the oil dipstick tube with an allen wrench. This gives you a lot more room to swing a wrench. I used teflon thread tape.

Peter

djradz · Jan 22, 2002

Peter, keep us posted if the teflon tape works. I used that on my old 1720 and it only lasted for about 9 months. Did you use the same plug or come up with a different arrangement?
... Duane

Mosey · Jan 23, 2002

Paul,

"Dealer said he would fix it when I bring it in"

Did the dealer say how he was going to fix it? I'm concerned that if I take mine in they will just put teflon tape on it and call it good enough.

IndianaPaul · Jan 23, 2002

Danny:

Dealer said they would replace the fitting with a different type (iron versus aluminum and a sealant). He also echo'd 'djradz' comments early in this thread....this type of leak is one that Ford & NH both have a history of.

Paul

paccorti · Jan 25, 2002

I used the same plug. The leak is so small that I imagine it is not hard to block. Hope I'm right. I'd sure like to get more than 9 months out of my fix. If that fails, I might go the brass plug route.

Peter

djradz · Jan 28, 2002

Talked to the Dealer Service Manager on Friday and he says as part of the cool-running engine fix, they're disconnecting the coolant drain lines and plugging the leaking fitting with something different with a shutoff. Guess they take care of the radiator end with a standard radiator drain. I told him I don't want either done (I'm going in for my 50 hr today). I took care of the cool-running by installing the valve in the line from the radiator and I'll fix the fitting in the block myself. First, I'll try some different sealant, and if that doesn't work, change the fitting to a drilled-plug and elbow. Let us know how your teflon tape works.

paccorti · Jan 28, 2002

So far (knock on Boomer) no leaks. I did wrap the tape several times around the fitting. Also (though it is probably obvious) I wrapped the tape so that tightening the fitting stretches the tape, so if you are looking at the "nut head" side of the fitting I wrapped counter-clock wise.

I'll let everyone know when it (or if) fails, 'cause I'll be looking for a new solution too.

Peter

djradz · Jan 29, 2002

Took my 40D in for the 50hr service and apparently I misunderstood what the fix is, or at least how they were going to install it. Apparently, they now are going to take out the leaking fitting and put in one that not only seals better but also has a shutoff on it, and then reconnect the hose. The rest of the setup remains the same, so you can still drain the block and radiator at the same time. The new fitting looks like a plug with a threaded hole in it and inserted in that appears to be a standard radiator/air tank drain fitting. The old hose would slide onto this drain fitting and complete the circuit, but because this new fitting acts also as a valve, it also fixes the cold running engine thermostat bypass problem. I already had installed a valve in the line coming from the radiator so I really didn't need this second valve, but hey, if it works, maybe I'll eliminate the one I put in sometime down the road.

TxSam · Jan 30, 2002

djradz - Did you get the impression this was a New Holland 'fix'? If so, I was wondering if there is an associated part numer for the new valve fitting. If it was simply a dealer 'fix', I wonder if you could find out where they came up with the new fitting. Either way it seems like a clean fix for both problems. Congrats!