9n- oil in water

[foote2floor]

My grandfather has a 9n and he recently discover that it has a fairly large amount of oil in the radiator. He runs the tractor a few times a week, it rarely sets for more than one week at a time. He wants to pull the head off but I told him that the flat head has no moving parts and most likely only has water jackets. No oil flowing through it. We discussed it during lunch today, and decided the radiator does not have a oil cooler so the most likely cause is a failure in the block. Does anyone have and insight on this issue?
Thank you in advance,
Matt.

 

[Dollar Bill]

As you've already stated, there isn't any oil in the head of an N motor. It is possible for oil to be forced past the liners and find its way into the cooling system but it's very unlikely.

I would drain and refill the cooling system then run it and check again.

A cracked block is a possibility that is usually caused by freezing temps which we haven't had for quite some time. I'm reading between the lines that problem just began?

How does the engine run?

If everything else is in good shape and you are in fact getting oil into the water, I'd try block sealer before tearing into an otherwise good running tractor.

 

[foote2floor]

Yes, the tractor was running fine, he was just doing his usual checks and noticed it. I ordered him a set of rebuild gaskets just in case he decided to investigate farther.
I will drain the system and see how much and how fast the oil returns. If the oil continues at a rate that is unacceptable to him, I will try some sealer. Thank you for the response.

 

[Soundguy]

save the block sealer. they are the least reliable of the snake oils.

flush the radiator and refill with water.

check oil. if water in oil.. you have an issue.


many times a blown head gasket will let combustion byproducts into the cooling system.. this will make an oily haze over months and years of use..

a compression check will help as well as a leakdown test and cooling system pressure check.

cheap tools at harbor freight handle all this..

post back

all that said.. test before you pul the head.

hg is about 20$ so if that's what tests say.. you are good to go.

i like the soft fibre gaskets vs the metal ones. can go on dry or with something like indian head gasket sealer.. etc..