Pull complete engine to check crank shaft?

[Lee Confused]

My 1955-57 Ford Power Master diesel tractor has a knock in the engine. It sounds like solid metal hitting tin, not the block. The pulley to crank shaft is off balance (but tight & secure). Do I have to pull the complete engine & take it apart to check the crank shaft?
-Is there a faster & easier way to check this problem?

Thank you,
Lee Ball - Confused
e-mail: robertandalyce@sbcglobal.net

 

[cowski]

you can take the pan off and check it.

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

You can drop the pan to check the bearings. Carbon on the pistons can also cause a knock. Can you crank the engine with the fuel shut off to try to isolate whether the knock is in the top or bottom of the engine.
Bill