Ford 951

Des · Sep 22, 2017

I was given a 1958 Ford 951 that had been sitting for a couple of years. New engine oil, trans oil and antifreeze was good. Gas was really foul so drained that cleaned strainer and cleaned carb. Coil was bad (leaking) so replaced that. Added new battery and presto it lit right off. engine had black smoke so was trying to lean out the mixture. After about 2 minutes run time the engine stopped. I noticed fluid coming out by the air hose and figured that the float was stuck and leaking gas. What a surprise when it turned out to be antifreeze. I disconnected the hose and about 8 ounces of antifreeze came out. Tractor started right up and I shut it down and looked again and there was antifreeze coming out the air intake of the carb. It appears to me that the head is cracked ($$$$$). I have not gone any further to test it out. Anyone had any similar experience?

Thanks

Des

Royse · Sep 22, 2017

Nope, never experienced that. Black smoke is usually rich fuel.
Antifreeze is usually a white smoke symptom.
Before I jumped on a cracked head, I'd do some testing.
Compression test at least. Leak down test if available.
Hopefully you'll get lucky and find a blown head gasket only.

old · Sep 23, 2017

Ya it could be a cracked head but it could also be a bad head gasket or and I do not remember for sure on that engine but it maybe a manifold stud that leaks and is in the water jacket. Time to do some trouble shooting and maybe even pull the head off and look at the gasket to be sure it has not blown

Des · Sep 23, 2017

Thanks for the replies. It will probably be a week or so before I get around to looking further into it. I hope it is not a cracked head as they appear to go for about $600. If the head is bad I will have to make a decision to fix it or part it out. I do not need another tractor but I will make that decision after determining whats broke.

john in la · Sep 23, 2017

I do not see any possible way for antifreeze to get into the intake with only a blown head gasket.

If the gasket blows the water is still sandwiched between the head and the block.
If it makes its way to a oil galley it is going in the pan.
If it makes its way to the outside it will run down the block.
If it makes its way to the combustion chamber it is going out the exhaust.

There is no direct contact between the water jacket and the intake via the head gasket other than the intake valve and that is in the combustion chamber so it would go out the exhaust.

In fact for the water to make its way back to the carb it must be one heck of a leak to over come vacuum in the intake.

A simple radiator pressure tester you can borrow for free from some parts stores like auto zone will diagnose this problem.

Des · Sep 23, 2017

I have never seen it before either. The oil has no signs of water contamination. I will do a coolant pressure check and compression check along with leak down test. I have the necessary equipment just need the time to do it. Busy schedule. I swear I stay busier since I retired and that was 5 years ago

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Des

Ford 951

Des

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Royse

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old

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