Looked at buying a 20 year old Mahindra today that had really low hours (less than 300). Generally looked and sounded good except the engine oil was milky both while cold and also after running for a while. No smoke except a little bit starting up. Afraid the oil might signify a cracked head gasket or some other major issue although the seller says he thinks it's just condensation from sitting for a long time. The asking price is probably what the tractor is worth, but not a fantastic deal or anything. Would you guys take the risk?
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Milky oil is commonly due to water in the oil. Sounds to me like you know that. It used to be that the oil vs water would stratify if the oil was left to sit long enough, but now most times it won't separate because of the high detergency in modern oils.
It's not impossible that it would be condensation, but I've never seen an engine with that much just due to condensation. Back when vertical exhaust pipes were common, it wasn't impossible for water to enter down the exhaust - which is why vertical stacks have a flapper on them. Or a tin can.
More recently us old mechanics are talking that we have begun to see cars, trucks, and tractors arriving from flooded areas that still have water throughout the engine, transmission, and rear end from being submerged. So the first thing to check is the oil in the trans/hydaulic system and power steering and front axle if 4wd to see if there is water there.
Anyway emptyjay, I agree with you - it's scary.
It would have to be an exceptional deal to make me overlook the milky oil. Because the only way that leak is minor is if the tranny and rear end and hydraulics don't show any water and all - so it isn't an flood machine - and then when you take the head off and find that the leakage path is either purely through the gasket or has made a trace on the head that is shallow enough that the head can be milled flat to remove the leakage path. So for maybe one or two grand worth of work and time you get a good tractor. But what if the leakage path has also etched the block under the head gasket.... ? Now it is all of sudden way more work. And that's only if the leak is the head gasket. What if it is a porous casting? What if this motor has pressed in liners that are leaking? Ugh and double ugh.
And here is something else to consider....chances are good that one of these things is true:
1. Either the owner doesn't ever check the engine oil - which is never a good thing.
2. Or he does check the oil and knows that it is leaking water into the oil fast enough that he didn't think that it was worth changing the oil and filter to try to hide the fact.
3. It is a flood tractor and the seller hasn't checked the other oils.
Get yourself a good tractor. There are lots of good older ones out there from 20 to 40 years old that just need surface cosmetic work because the owner has let them sit too long. This one doesn't sound quite right. You'll know the right one when you see it.
I got all wordy because I love old machinery, but Tomtint and the others have it right..... Pass. Get yourself a good old tractor. Lots out there.
rScotty
