Low compression on 535

   / Low compression on 535 #1  

hoozie

Bronze Member
Joined
May 7, 2013
Messages
54
Location
Klamath Falls, OR
Tractor
MT210D
This is the tractor from this thread. Another backhoe model number decode request

I checked the compression on it, and it's not good. 150/150/210. So that's why it won't start :rolleyes:

His story is that it started to overheat and bubble over, then he drove it to its parking spot, where it was "really" bubbling over and blowing out of the head gasket externally.

I did a leak down on cylinder 2, and got about 95% leakage into the crank case. (both rockers were loose, indicating the valves are closed, even though the cylinder wasn't at TDC because I don't have a great way to crank the engine over by hand yet). I didn't bother doing a leak down on the other two cylinders.

My best case plan was to just replace the headgasket. Now it looks like the rings are cooked, so now the best case is the cylinder walls aren't messed up 😀

Is there anything else I should check before pulling the head? The bore scope I have just has a forward facing camera, so I can't see the cylinder walls. I just ordered one with a side camera to see the bores better.

Oil is fine (no milkshake). The coolant system held pressure all day, then lost it over night. I don't trust the tester itself to not have lost the pressure though.

I took some video of the process to test the compression and do the leakdown test, and the adapter I needed. I haven't found anything other than a couple forum posts saying what they thought the proper tool was, so hopefully that will help someone. I may do a few videos of the entire process of the in frame rebuild too.
 
   / Low compression on 535 #2  
If it overheated that bad.. are u planning on sending the head out and get it pressure tested and magnafluxed.?? Decked.??
Personally I think it would be worth while seeing your going down that road..
Good luck
 
   / Low compression on 535 #3  
Just pull the head already. You have to do that to replace the head gasket, and you can get a full view of the cylinders. No bore scope needed. Measure the bores in an X at three levels. If the cylinders are out of round (worn), pull the engine and take it to an engine machine shop. I doubt you'll be able to sleeve the engine yourself. Be sure to mark matching piston rods and caps as well as main caps. Check the pistons for scoring.

You're going to get dirty. ;)
 
   / Low compression on 535 #4  
Until you get the head off, not much more to look for that you haven't already discovered. As Tinhack said, you won't be able to sleeve the engine yourself, BUT, there are services available in some areas that will do a mobile bore/sleeve service so you don't have to remove the engine.
The head has most likely warped, very unlikely cracked, but they do crack.
 
   / Low compression on 535
  • Thread Starter
#5  
Yep, head has to come off. There's only one guy in town that does engine machine work. Does good work, but keeps weird hours and never answers his phone. Also subscribes to the phrase "In God we trust. All others pay cash" 😀

Anyone have a preference on kits? Of course not buying anything until I measure the bores and get the bearing sizes.


Got the front grill off, and the radiator in it is filthy. Packed full of dirty and oil. Definitely has to come out and get cleaned, and may have been the root problem.
 
   / Low compression on 535 #7  
Yep, head has to come off. There's only one guy in town that does engine machine work. Does good work, but keeps weird hours and never answers his phone. Also subscribes to the phrase "In God we trust. All others pay cash" 😀

Anyone have a preference on kits? Of course not buying anything until I measure the bores and get the bearing sizes.


Got the front grill off, and the radiator in it is filthy. Packed full of dirty and oil. Definitely has to come out and get cleaned, and may have been the root problem.
At least the pan is an easy removal... Here is hoping you just need a fresh set of rings, cylinder hone and the head gone through.

I have plans for similar on the Ford 550 when I get some time.

Knew it had a leaky exhaust valve when I bought it, but has great oil pressure and runs clean with no smoke within a couple minutes, but I do want to make it "better."
Good old tractors the Fords.
 

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