Need to be concerned about this rust?

[AlbertC]

I have a New Holland 3930 and you can see the rust on the side of the engine. I can’t really tell what is causing the rust or why it is in this location. Is this anything I need to be concerned about or is it really not that big of a deal.

thanks

 

[TractorTYMe]

Worst case if it bothers you, use a metal brush, degrease and paint some grey POR15 over it.

 

[Roadworthy]

I wouldn't be as its CAUSE. It is from water leaking from somewhere, now or in the past. I see a hose just above the area. I'd check it carefully for possible leaks.

 

[Caveman 192]

Not sure about that model but some of the older Fords had the battery above that area. Any chance that is from battery acid leaking ?

 

[Deere Dude]

Brush on "Ospho" rust neutralizer and throw some black paint on it after you deal with the source of the problem.

 

[rScotty]

We need some more information. It is sometimes hard to find the source of a leak. One trick is to clean that whole area up real good, and then tape or tie some clean white rags in areas you suspect. Check them in a week or month & see if you can find the source.
rScotty

 

[AWSubie]

It depends upon how much it bothers you that there is a leak. It would weigh on my mind a lot; but for others a small leak is not a priority.

Functionally, no u need not be concerned. Cosmetically, and system wise you have a low priority issue that can exist for years without significant consequence.

If I had the time I would fix it. If you have other pressing matters to attend to don’t worry about this one.

 

[WranglerX]

I consider rust like that as not a real issue on engine block as it not significant to do real damage, BUT more of a concern is why is it there and what is the sources of the "leak" that is causing the rust, its a indication a failure is just a short time away for what ever is leaking... Would guess it's freeze plug or some sort of water hose fitting... What ever it is needs investigating...

 

[ruffdog]

Something above it is causing it. Coolant or battery? As bad as that is, it should be easy to follow the trail for evidence.

 

[rScotty]

As hoses age, they sometimes get longitudinal splits along the inside surface of the hose right at the connection end - where it connects to a metal piece. Tighting a hose clamp does't help much with that kind of leak. Replacing the whole hose is the only solution.

 

[Jstpssng]

Often, antifreeze leaks after you shut the engine off until the coolant temp drops. A good time to check is after you've been using it enough to get the engine up to temp, ten shut it down.

 

[jaxs]

I would be very concerned as to where the water or chemical is coming from but I would emediatly test coolant to be sure it has correct concintration of anti-freeze. Even when coolant leak's antifreeze is anti corrosive.

 

[Farmer495]

I agree with the "find if something leaks, that is what is doing it" responses, but as far as the rust, it is bothers you, sand it up and paint it.

 

[SmallChange]

Whatever the leak is, that's the first priority, like many others are saying.

I don't know that tractor at all and can't really see any signs, so forgive my ignorance, but -- is there head gasket above that spot? That might be the most important question.

But if there's no gasket anywhere near there, forgive my ignorance please.

 

[Diggin It]

Enlarge the picture and look at the thing with the blue cap or insulator where the hardline bends downward. I don't know what it is, but it looks corroded and where it mounts to the block looks suspect.

 

[lpakiz]

There is a hand-pump-up device which you can use to pressurize the cooling system. Car and tractor dealerships almost certainly have one near you. Do you know a mechanic who could borrow one for an evening or a weekend?
Gravity always functions consistently. Clean off the area, dry it, pressurize the system and wait for a leak. When you see it, follow it UP, dry it off, wait for a drip, follow it UP, use a mirror or even your dry finger to identify a leak.
If I was a betting man, I'd bet on a frost plug on the side of the block. You might be able to demount the water filter and move it slightly without disconnecting the lines, giving you a better view.

 

[HayFarmer]

It's the battery. If I use NAPA crappy batteries in my 2810 (older version of your 3930) acid sloshes out and then down the side of the engine. Notice the rust on the battery tray pivot, also. I use farm batteries, now, not highway batteries.

 

[3Ts]

What is a "farm battery" and where do you get one?

 

[Gregster613]

Agree with 3Ts. What's a "farm" battery? I've never heard that term before. Where would a person find one?

 

[Snobdds]

What is a "farm battery" and where do you get one?

Just use a sealed battery...

It appears there are a few leaks, the front upper part of the head has some white stuff growing.