B1750HSD steam from valve cover

[aquetrac]

Hello All,

I have a B1750HSD tractor with 550 hours on it. It has been sitting in an unheated garage over the winter and in the last 3 years I have only put 20 hours on it. There is a tube that goes from the valve cover to down by the engine frame, I would describe it as a breather tube. I have always gotten steam or smoke from it but this year I notice water dripping from it, I would guess several ounces. Could this just be condensation from the engine or should I think about a bad head gasket or worse? The engines runs fine, lots of power and very smooth.
What should I check? Is there an easy way to confirm that coolant is not leaking into the valve cover area? Thanks, for now I will think positive!

 

[niemeyjt]

Mine steams too - and if I put a finger over it pressure builds up. I think it is worn piston rings (at 5500 hrs).

I do not get water droplets - and would not expect to - it should be too warm - unless condensing, but several ounces sounds alot. Are you losing coolant from radiator?

J

 

[aquetrac]

My radiator level is down a little. If I put my finger on the tube it also builds up pressure and then when removed shoots out steam and some water. Maybe several ounces as stated is a bit much but the quantity seems more than what would build up from condensation.

Gary

 

[kuboman]

Sounds like you have a cracked head or blown head gasket.

 

[brandoro]

You need to get an engine fairly hot to evaporate moisture. With such low hours have you changed the oil yearly?
How hard to you work it when it is running?

 

[Egon]

Venting from the valve cover tube is normal. If this tractor has been sitting for long periods it may have accumulated some water from condensation. What you are seeing may be this water getting boiled of.

Suggest the oil be changed and the tractor worked hard for a few hours. If the problem still persists start monitoring the Radiator levels.

 

[aquetrac]

I changed the oil 3 years ago and never have worked this machine hard. I'm not sure about the previous owner. I think I will change the oil and see what happens from that point. I'm hoping its not a cracked head or blown head gasket.

Gary

 

[kevinj]

I changed the oil 3 years ago and never have worked this machine hard. I'm not sure about the previous owner. I think I will change the oil and see what happens from that point. I'm hoping its not a cracked head or blown head gasket.

Gary

See post 5.

 

[pdowling1]

If you were leaking coolant into that area it would show up in the oil, and it would look like gravy. I'll repeat, see post #5.

 

[rdsaustintx]

I changed the oil 3 years ago

There's a hint.