My little New Holland 1725 caught herself a cold...

[Bonkers]

Recently bought a 1725 with "supposedly" 640h on it. I know
almost nothing about diesels or tractors (doubly about a diesel
tractor) and my mechanical skill i slightly above "Oil Change"
level. Thought this would be a good learning experience - not
been disappointed.

Bought her in early Sept and despite a few blown hoses had no
issues whatsoever. We recently had our first cold snap out here
on the MidAtlantic and she's suffered from it. On our first couple
of sub 40d days I went out to start her (just to let her turn over)
and she bickered ALOT. The glow plug light has always stayed on,
but never had an issue starting her up - didnt realize it was an
issue. She would cough and belch white smoke on start up,
run a little rough, but would smooth out after a few minutes.

This last cold spurt took us to sub 20d nights. When I went out to
start her she refused. She would crank up and sputter down like
the fuel line was clogged. Eventually it warmed up a bit, went out
and moved her out to the garage pad. Did some reading and
concluded she might need new glow plugs. Hooked up the battery
charger and ordered the plug (cheap swap out so figured what the
****...) Still waiting on parts.

Went out this morning and there is a puddle of anti-freeze under
the tractor that I cannot locate the source of. Also the engine is
running REALLY rough and the front axle is squealing (almost sounds
like a door hinge.) She's also blowing thick white smoke on
acceleration despite being warmed up. I kinda think she's low
on power, but everything functions and the motor idles strong.

I dont know how much of this is all connected (if any) but I can
honestly say none of this was a concern three weeks ago with
the only difference being the cold weather.

Shes usually parked on grass so I dont know if she was leaking
prior, but heres the puddle after 15-20hrs. Radiator was almost
dry - the blue arrow points to a drop coming off the hose, but
the hose is dry, I have no idea where the coolant is coming
from to get here:



The only wet spot on the entire motor I can find is here at
the red arrow, but there is no trail to the ground. The oil pan
is completely drenched, but the oil inside is fresh and clear.



Pic of the smoke - after about 30min of driving around, engine
at operating temp:


So... thoughts and opinions? I have new glow plugs arriving
next week and Im sourcing a light timer relay. Other than
that I have no idea where to go. Can I still use it, should I
just take it to the service dept?

 

[skyhook]

There are "test" kits at Napa for blown head gaskets, "I" would start there ( if you can't see where the leak is coming from).

 

[Quebecguy]

It is kind of late now but did you originally check your coolant mixture to make sure your antifreeze percentage was adequate to protect the coolant from freezing? From what you describe I'm afraid the engine block might have become cracked due to frozen coolant.

 

[tcreeley]

I have a TC30. always use 10W30 year round. If it squeals- change the hydraulic filter. Have you changed the hydraulic oil? How's the battery- try a new on, might be the original. I plug mine in and it makes all of the difference for starting below 30F. It operates fine at -15F. Change your filters and fluids.- don't know about the antifreeze (overflow hose?) - I have to keep an eye on mine to keep the level up.
Goodluck with the rest,