1979 JD 850 Soot in coolant

[TimberHole]

How would you beef up "top compression"? I don't understand the question. Could you clarify?

 

[goodowl]

I spoke with a guy that has a machine shop that said he's been doing this stuff for 41 years.
I asked if he could check the head for cracks, then skim it .003 or whatever to clean it up.
He said yeah sure.
But when I asked about doing the valves/guides he gave me that old top/bottom line.

Just asking

 

[TimberHole]

You're not going to hurt anything re-decking the head if that's what you are asking.Valves should be a standard job for a shop that does that type of work. If the head is cracked it can likely be pinned if your shop does that. If not maybe someone else in your area can do it.

 

[goodowl]

Yep, that was my thinking re top/bottom.
While I don't see any cracks, I do see #1 & #2
have faint semi-circular impressions on one side.
Dunno, maybe liner movement.
more checking...

 

[goodowl]

So after cleaning the cylinder head and intake manifold with my trusty mason jar paint sprayer filled with gas I find this
laying on the ground. Scratching head...
It had to come out of the head, either intake or water.
So I look at the Air Filter chain, nope.
So I look at the Radiator Cap, Yup, somehow between 1979-2009
a cap gasket went through the system and lodged in the head.
Maybe the spring and keeper are in there somewhere..
Fun stuff this