radiator leaks into oil

[bluechip]

The round cap is commonly called a freeze plug. There are also freeze plugs on the inside of the engine, a common one to cause this problem is under the valve cover. (watch for the plastic connector for the compression release when you remove the valve cover). My guess is you did not have enough anti-freeze in it. We did get a good long cold streach a few weeks ago. We can service that tractor for you and we are only about 50 miles or so from Conway. (479) 885-3267.

 

[TruChaos]

Blue Chip,

The other day, I had the valve cover open on my 284, I wondered what that round indentation was on top of the head near the rear cylinder. I've never seen a freeze plug under a valve cover before.

That was a good call on your part. I was thinking his engine was toast.

 

[bluechip]

I hope and expect that is all it is, if so, this is the second time in a year and a half I have missed out on a chance to sell a new engine because things were not as bad as they seem.

 

[rawdawg]

bluechip was right.

The freeze plug under the valve cover had popped out and was laying loose. I replaced the plug and tried to add water to the radiator and again water was comming into the oil overflow. There must be another plug down lower somewhere. I drained the water out of the radiator and the oil pan for now.

 

[bluechip]

I really hoped the plug under the valve cover would do it for you...sounds like this thing froze like a rock. The top of the head is the only plug I recall that will let water into the oil pan...this is not good. I would pull the oil pan and see if you can tell where the water is coming from inside, but I am guessing the block or head has been damaged by the freeze. The "freeze" plugs are really plugs to fill holes used in the casting process, they do sometime releive enough pressure to prevent block damage in an accidental freeze but they are not 100% effective in that role.

 

[slowrev]

Don't take this the wrong way please, but all engines should have a 50/50 mix of antifreeze in them to prevent rust if not freezing. Wet sleeve diesels should have the HD stuff to prevent pin holes in the sleeves from detonation knock, I forget what it is called....

Ben

 

[Egon]

Hate to say it but think the other frost/welch plugs will be on the exterior.

Egon

 

[Harrygoodwrench]

This does not sound good. Sadly, I think your block is cracked. If so it is fatal.

 

[F100Panel]

Slowrev, the additive I believe you refer to is Anti Cavitation. There has been much debate on the boards over wether it is needed in these small diesels... NAPA sells it though sometimes it's hard to get the counter help to get you the right thing. I get mine from the local Ford Dealership parts dept./always has it/knows what I'm asking for.../no hassle....

I HAAATE Hassles.... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Bugsy]

Here in Florida I have never heard any of the growers complian about cavitaton on their tractors.

Cavitation is the "pitting" if a cylinder wall, in the cooling jacket, eventually causing a "leak" in the cylinder wall. This is caused by "electrolysis". (Antifreeze DOES create a small amount of current as it ages.)

Big trucks also suffer from this. The additive can be purchased at ANY big truck dealership for about $3.

If a cooling system is serviced yearly, this should not be a problem.