Exaust Smoke, Stalling and Radiator Fluid Leaking

[Flex4]

I'm a new Jinma 284 owner and new to owning a tractor, I have a few questions and problems that I hope someone can help me with. Due to my inexperience I have obviously bitten off more than I can chew, hopefully it's nothing major. I am mechanically inclined moderate jobs when it comes to auto engines, but diesel engines are completely new to me.

I just purchased a 2006 Jinma 284 from a private party and now notice that I am having some issues with grey exaust smoke continuosly billowing out from my exaust while it's operating. It begins to loose power and stalls when it's put under a load and has some radiator fluid spewing out through the sides of the radiator cap. The radiator feels hot, but I can't check the engine temp because the temp and fuel gauges don't work. I also noticed the (what was once small clear tube similar to a PVC tube) on the top of the engine is dry, cracked and has a hole in it.

I like the tractor, I have read allot of great reviews about it and that is why I bought one, but at the moment I'm a little frustrated due to my ignorance with tractors. Any assistance with my tractor issues would be appreciated greatly.

Thank you,

Peter

 

[Flex4]

I'm sorry I forgot to add that the use of the tractor when this is happening is simply idiling or driving and occurs within 15 to 20 minutes.

 

[greg_g]

Sounds like a case of neglect. Get the tractor parked in a darkened space if possible, then use a flashlight to see if the radiator fins are blocked; light on one side, your eyeballs on the other. My guess is that the lower half - particularly behind the battery - is obstructed with dirt and chaff.

When they get that bad, it's easiest to remove the radiator for cleaning. Soak it to loosen the compacted debris. Then wash out what you can with a hose, then soak it some more. Don't be tempted to use a pressure washer, it will permanently damage the cooling fins. Judiscious use of compressed air is ok though.

Once clean on the outside, reinstal and clean the inside. Any automotive cooling system flush will work. Get a new piece of overflow tubing. Assuming that stops the overheating, we can work on the gauge problem.

//greg//

 

[irvingj]

Sounds like...(sorry!) a blown head gasket and/or a crack in either the head or the block.

Grey exhaust smoke is a good indication of water/glycol in the combustion chamber; water spewing out around radiator cap sounds like compression pressure entering the cooling system. Both symptoms point to above.

Better have it checked out soon to avoid further damage to engine innards.

You might wish to read recent thread about "changing head gasket".

 

[greg_g]

I didn't want to get that far into the process before eliminating some of the more obvious possible causes. An overheating engine will also blow grey smoke. If there was mention of the overflow hose being black, I'd have jumped immediately on oil in the coolant. Since it wasn't, it would be smart to make sure the cooling system is working properly, before jumping to a head gasket conclusion.

But if there's black stuff floating in a cold radiator, or if you see bubbling in the filler neck when the engine's running - think head gasket. Coolant in the oil pan is another sign. On an engine that hasn't been run for a day or so, any coolant will separate and reside at the bottom of the oil pan. If it's not already, make sure the drain plug is on the downhill side before waiting for oil and coolant to separate. Then slowly loosen the drain plug until the first drips come out. If it's water, you've got trouble. If it's emulsion, there may be reason for concern. If it's oil......

//greg//

 

[Egon]

AS stated, be prepared to start taking the head off and then be prepared for just a little more work.

 

[irvingj]

Yes, by all means check out the simple stuff first! It's just that those symptoms sound all too familiar....

 

[Flex4]

Thank you for your advice gentlemen, I am going to try the radiator cleaning and flushing. I wil also drain out the oil since it would be safe to do an oil change anyway. The color or the radiator fluid is a dirty green color. I definately know when I drain oil and antifreeze.

Thank you, I'll keep you posted with my results.

Peter

 

[Bob Rooks]

A sticking/defective thermostat will produce the same results, and FWIW the grey smoke is a combination of unburned fuel (white smoke) and in this case - oil (blue smoke) being washed off the cylinder walls from over-fueling and burned due to the seizing of the pistons & rings against the liners from over-heating (loosing power).

 

[Flex4]

I guess what keeps me optimistic is that I have not seen any oily residue spew out the radiator cap, but I know that could be decieving to. Well I do know that the tractor is now in good hands and will be treated and maintained properly, I just hope it's not going to cost me an arm and a leg to bring it up to par. Thanks again for all of your feed backs. As soon as I can get to work on it I'll let you know what I find, in the meanwhile I'll keep my fingers crossed.