Hi,
I have had my 8N for about 28 years. I had the motor rebuilt about 15 years ago.
I started it for the 1st time this season today - and after it ran about 10 minutes or less - It was hot - I check, and all the coolant had leaked out over the winter.
Anyway - When it got hot, It was missing - hitting on about 3 most of the time-- I shut it down filled it with coolant and noticed some coolant leaking out the side of the block - SO close to the head it was had to determine if it was the head gasket or a crack in the block..
I started it again - After the engine warmed up again - the leak STOPPED!
But it still ran bad - missing some..
Tore it down - here is what I found :
There is a hairline crack in the block along the top running length-wise with the motor - BUT is out in the area of the head bolts... Not over by the cylinders..
The engine block is still full of water - can see it in the port holes once the head was removed.
I see no indication of coolant in the oil. And no oil in the water ports of the block.
It appeared there was moisture on the the two center cylinders - likely from the head gasket leaking.
The cylinder walls all look great - virtually new. Now wear, scratches, etc. No carbon build-up on the valves. The tractor has had limited use - Only mowing about 1 1/2 hours a week through the spring and summer mowing season.
Question is -
What can I check to make sure the block is still functional - and only needs a head gasket?
Has anyone ever see a hairline crack like I described? And was the motor operational?
Thanks in advance for any advice, information, etc...
Fred
I have had my 8N for about 28 years. I had the motor rebuilt about 15 years ago.
I started it for the 1st time this season today - and after it ran about 10 minutes or less - It was hot - I check, and all the coolant had leaked out over the winter.
Anyway - When it got hot, It was missing - hitting on about 3 most of the time-- I shut it down filled it with coolant and noticed some coolant leaking out the side of the block - SO close to the head it was had to determine if it was the head gasket or a crack in the block..
I started it again - After the engine warmed up again - the leak STOPPED!
But it still ran bad - missing some..
Tore it down - here is what I found :
There is a hairline crack in the block along the top running length-wise with the motor - BUT is out in the area of the head bolts... Not over by the cylinders..
The engine block is still full of water - can see it in the port holes once the head was removed.
I see no indication of coolant in the oil. And no oil in the water ports of the block.
It appeared there was moisture on the the two center cylinders - likely from the head gasket leaking.
The cylinder walls all look great - virtually new. Now wear, scratches, etc. No carbon build-up on the valves. The tractor has had limited use - Only mowing about 1 1/2 hours a week through the spring and summer mowing season.
Question is -
What can I check to make sure the block is still functional - and only needs a head gasket?
Has anyone ever see a hairline crack like I described? And was the motor operational?
Thanks in advance for any advice, information, etc...
Fred