Help with Ford 1920

[Rayrla]

I hope some of the 1920 experts in this group will be able to provide some assistance. Over the last two years I have noticed that my coolant level goes down slightly and I have had to add small amounts. The amounts have been increasing. I have found no leaks but have noticed white smoke from the exhaust mostly during warmups but also while idling. I have also noticed some decrease in power over the last few months. I puchased this tractor new December 1994 and have approximately 1300 hours. Could I have a head gasket problem? Thanks.

 

[jinman]

I would say you definitely might have a head gasket problem. A compression test should show low compression for the leaking cylinder. Another way is to open the radiator cap while the engine is cool and look for bubbles after the engine is started and as it warms up. Also, if you pull the glow plugs, the one for the leaky cylinder should look different from the others in color.

 

[JC-jetro]

Unfortunately, I second that as well. Also check the dip stick or after an oil change to look for white foamy mix of oil engine oil potential of coolant leaking in to crankcase a thru oil journals.

JC,

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

It could be a head gasket.If you can pressure test the cooling syster that should tell you if it is a head gasket. But the white smoke you are seeing could also be the poor fuel we are getting these days. Check your radiator cap. The cap on my 1900 was leaking and the coolant was leaking around it and evaporating before it could leave a puddle. I was adding about a pint every 15hours. The power loss could also be fuel. Have you ever adlusted the valves.
Bill

 

[Rayrla]

I would say you definitely might have a head gasket problem. A compression test should show low compression for the leaking cylinder. Another way is to open the radiator cap while the engine is cool and look for bubbles after the engine is started and as it warms up. Also, if you pull the glow plugs, the one for the leaky cylinder should look different from the others in color.

Thanks jinman. Dont have a compression tester but will try the radiator check as well as glow plugs.

 

[Rayrla]

Unfortunately, I second that as well. Also check the dip stick or after an oil change to look for white foamy mix of oil engine oil potential of coolant leaking in to crankcase a thru oil journals.

JC,

Thanks JC. Just changed the oil after approx 60 hrs and it looked almost new. Please explain why unfortunately.......Is changing head gasket that difficult?

 

[Rayrla]

It could be a head gasket.If you can pressure test the cooling syster that should tell you if it is a head gasket. But the white smoke you are seeing could also be the poor fuel we are getting these days. Check your radiator cap. The cap on my 1900 was leaking and the coolant was leaking around it and evaporating before it could leave a puddle. I was adding about a pint every 15hours. The power loss could also be fuel. Have you ever adlusted the valves.
Bill

Thanks Bill. Valves were adjusted approx 200 hrs ago. Have noticed will all three of my gasoline powered vehicles that gas mileage has dropped over the last couple of years even with fresh tuneups. Will check the cap, it is 17 years old. Before I tear into the engine will certainly have cooling system pressure tested.

 

[jinman]

Thanks jinman. Dont have a compression tester but will try the radiator check as well as glow plugs.

It not only takes a compression tester, but also a special adapter to fit the holes after removal of the glow plugs. Diesel compression testers need to read up to 500 psi and have special adapters making them very expensive compared to gasoline engine testers. Your engine should have a compression of around 400 to 450 psi with no cylinder being anymore than 50 psi different from the others. This would best be performed at a dealership or by a diesel mechanic with the proper tools and experience.

BTW: If you find you have a blown head gasket, do you plan to do the repair job yourself?

 

[JC-jetro]

Thanks JC. Just changed the oil after approx 60 hrs and it looked almost new. Please explain why unfortunately.......Is changing head gasket that difficult?

You normally have water passageway and oil passage way built in to engine block and the mating head. Water to cool the head and oil to provide lube for rocker arm assembly , push rod, can followers and such. reciprocating action cause both pressure and vacuum. if the head gasket is damaged to engine overheating or whatever reason there is possibility of sucking in to cylinder coolant and some lesser potential coolant getting in to crankcase oil. Once you figure out by process of elimination what the culprit is then you do repair that might include head gasket. changing head gasket does need some experience. gasket replacement is not the main task , it is how to get there and how to keep valve timing and lash adjustment done right.

JC,

I'd suggest at the least you check with some repair manual to get a better picture.

 

[Rayrla]

Thanks to all who answered my call for help. I believe, at least I hope, I have found my problem. Checked for air bubbles in radiator when warming up(none) and then checked glow plugs(all looked very similar). Had cooling system pressure checked and found leaking cap. Cap has been replaced. Probably wont know for sure that's the problem until next summer after some grass cutting.