Symptoms of a Cracked Head on a MF 150 Diesel

[MasseyLady]

We are still in negotiations on a MF150 diesel. Hubby and would like to know on a tractor are there any other symptoms of a cracked head. There is no oil in the coolant and no white smoke on a cold start. We are just double checking and need advice, don't want to buy a big problem. Owner did tell us he recently changed the antifreeze.

The tractor is a 1967 MF150 diesel, with about 5300 hours. All other fluids look good including the antifreeze in the radiator, hydraulics good, engine doesn't smoke, sounds great. It does have an FEL.

Any tips? Thanks.

 

[flusher]

We are still in negotiations on a MF150 diesel. Hubby and would like to know on a tractor are there any other symptoms of a cracked head. There is no oil in the coolant and no white smoke on a cold start. We are just double checking and need advice, don't want to buy a big problem. Owner did tell us he recently changed the antifreeze.

The tractor is a 1967 MF150 diesel, with about 5300 hours. All other fluids look good including the antifreeze in the radiator, hydraulics good, engine doesn't smoke, sounds great. It does have an FEL.

Any tips? Thanks.

Check the radiator while the engine is running. Look for a steady production of gas bubbles in the coolant and for any sign of coolant overflow.

 

[Dieseltech]

Quick coolant pressure buidup will happen if head is cracked or gasket is leaking, watch for air bubles as flusher mentioned. Not common for this engine to have a cracked head, any coolant leaks are usually head gasket.

 

[MasseyLady]

Thank-you Flusher and DieselTech for the info, appreciate it!

 

[Johnp33]

First thing you want to test is the radiator cap, it must hold the recommended preasure. The water pump is a centrifical pump and will draw in air.
Then run the unit with a bottle of soapy water, from the overflow hose, the unit will blow bubbles as it warms up, then after a while it should stop.
If the head gasket is blown, or the head cracked it will blow a lot of air out.