Bubbles from the radiator

[coloscott]

Hello,

I'm doing volunteer maintenance on a Branson 3510i tractor for a local horse rescue ranch. They have been having overheating issues with it and after flushing the radiator today and running it with the radiator cap off I noticed it is blowing bubble out the radiator. Big bubbles at first and then with it warms up to operating temperature the bubble become fine and they never stop as long as the tractor is running. Is this a leaking head gasket?

Thanks in advance!

Scott in Colorado

 

[Roadworthy]

A leaky head gasket is probably the least expensive thing it's likely to be. It could be a cracked head or block, too. The engine could have overheated and done more damage but you can hope for the best. I'd probably start with the head gasket and hope for the best.

 

[RustyA]

If you pull the head be sure to have it magnafluxed to check for cracks.

 

[Asteral]

more than likely the head gasket is allowing air into the cooling system which is causing it to bubble up through the radiator, you could possibly have a cracked head especially with it having been overheating recently, i would definitely pull the head and do a dye test with magnaflux, i would also do a radiator pressure test if you have the ability to, you could be sucking air their but more than likely it will be at the head but it never hurts to check all your bases.

 

[Texasmark]

I'd start with the head gasket. Usually the gasket will show you if/where the rupture occurred. Other thing, with the head removed to check the gasket, check the cylinders/head. Any water intrusion will spit shine that cylinder vs the rest of the engine.