New Holland blowby

[jt7157]

My 2006 New Holland TC55DA has started to belch a misty white fog from the breather hose attached to the valve cover. This fog is thick, thick enough to make breathing miserable under certain conditions, and it varies some, sometimes more thick than other times, though I can discern no pattern. Drops of oil also now drip from the hose, although there is no observable usage on the dipstick after two hours of bush hogging with engine at 2500 rpms. This phenomenon is new this year. The local dealer says there is now known cause other than piston rings or maybe valve seals, adding that just a gasket kit to tear down engine is about $1,000, so any major engine repair would be thousands of dollars. Compression is good, and the tractor has plenty of power. It functions as it should but for this new issue. My tractor has only 747 hours; it's been serviced regularly. I'm pretty disappointed that this problem cropped up. I guess I'm hoping someone has experienced a similar failure and can offer some insight. Thanks in advance.

Joe

 

[kirkawilson]

My guess is blown head gasket.
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...ng/301813-tc55da-blowing-white-smoke-out.html

 

[kirkawilson]

There is also this:
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/305971-how-tell-if-head-gasket.html

 

[Gary Fowler]

Check the radiator water level. White fog could indicate water getting into the combustion chamber. Valve guide wear would allow the steam to exit thru the valve covers. If this is the case, repair is essential regardless of cost.

 

[RickB]

One of the very few Shibaura engines with a known head gasket issue. Check for a service bulletin advising new head bolts.

 

[jt7157]

Thanks everyone for your input. A bad head gasket sounds like a reasonable diagnosis. I'm surprised my dealer didn't suggest such, especially if there is a service bulletin on head gasket failures. Anyone know New Holland dealer close to Nashville, Knoxville, or Chattanooga with a really good, reliable mechanic/service department? What seems reasonable to pay for such a repair?

 

[DwayneB]

Thanks everyone for your input. A bad head gasket sounds like a reasonable diagnosis. I'm surprised my dealer didn't suggest such, especially if there is a service bulletin on head gasket failures. Anyone know New Holland dealer close to Nashville, Knoxville, or Chattanooga with a really good, reliable mechanic/service department? What seems reasonable to pay for such a repair?

Any good mechanic can do a head gasket job for you. I've replaced a few on vehicles and tractors. Pretty easy job if you attempt it yourself just research the tractor your working on. Somebody has probably documented the exact procedure. Or buy a service manual.