Slight seepage of oil down block?

[ShowroomShine]

Got a IH 444 with the gas engine. Since I've had it, I've noticed on the right side of the engine oil seems to slightly seep out of the crack between the head and block and run down the block.

It did it before I changed the oil and the previous guy said the oil had been in a while, and its done it after I changed the oil. The previous oil wasent milky and the new oil hasent become milky, so I don't think coolant is getting in the oil.

It's enough after cleaning it and running it maybe an hour or two for a couple of drips to make it down to the oil pan area.

Problem or just an old tractor being an old tractor?

 

[jack707]

Sounds like the oil gasket needs to be replaced.

 

[JRobyn]

Of course. The "oil gasket". :duh:

 

[flyerdan]

The easiest, cheapest, and 'do no more harm' approach would be to check all head bolts for proper torque, could be a couple are a bit loose where the seep is. Also gives you a chance to look at the sludge and deposit condition and check the valve train while the cover is off.

 

[sweettractors]

Got a IH 444 with the gas engine. Since I've had it, I've noticed on the right side of the engine oil seems to slightly seep out of the crack between the head and block and run down the block.

It did it before I changed the oil and the previous guy said the oil had been in a while, and its done it after I changed the oil. The previous oil wasent milky and the new oil hasent become milky, so I don't think coolant is getting in the oil.

It's enough after cleaning it and running it maybe an hour or two for a couple of drips to make it down to the oil pan area.

Problem or just an old tractor being an old tractor?

Probably just a head gasket blowed. Ken Sweet

 

[Texasmark]

If you are leaking combustion gasses into the cooling system via a bad head gasket, you usually can see bubbles in the radiator reservoir with the cap off and the engine running at PTO rpms. Most head gaskets have metal wrapped around at the cylinder such that you have metal to metal around the compression point. Some parts may not be full metal and over time may leak.

I overhauled my 3000 15-20 years ago, but my 2000 is still OEM with about 3700 orig. hours and the Proof meter (tach-hour meter) is still running. You want to talk about leaks, everything leaks on that tractor. My choice it to leave it be. The leaks aren't hurting anything other than making it ugly and washing, especially pressure washing can do more harm than good. Going into the machine to fix a simple leak can lead you down the path of MAJOR surprises and lots of time and $$$$$. My motto....don't fix it if it ain't busted".

 

[KYErik]

If it is not running hot and like you said, there is no coolant in the oil- then I'm with Texasmark- just leave it. You could find all sorts of minor issues with it if you start pulling it apart- issues that may just cost a couple of hp.