Radiator foaming

I have a 1950 TO35 Ferguson that has the radiator foaming and loosing fluid from the overflow pipe . Tractor runs great , I clean the radiator but it still foams , and changed the oil no sign of any water in engine oil.

As I have read the next thing to check is cylinder pressure for a head gasket issue, is it tough changing a head gasket for this model with small mechanical experience??
 
In researching my dodge truck for a water leak I read that NAPA has a test kit for radiators. It's a
test bung you insert in the neck of the radiator that has blue dye in it. If combustion gasses are
entering the radiator the fluid turns yellow to green like the color of antifreeze. Costs about $50
and is a definitive answer to a head gasket problem. Just another diagnostic tool to think about,
 
Foaming can be caused by additives, like stop leak, cleaner, etc.

Is the cap good?

Might try flushing it with the thermostat out, running the engine at full speed with the water hose running in the radiator, drain cock open (put the thermostat back in or replace if in doubt), replace the cap if in doubt, then run it a while, keep an eye on the temperature. Also the level needs to be down a couple inches for expansion.

If the head gasket is failing, it will get worse until more symptoms show, like missing, steam out the exhaust, condensation on the crankcase breather tube, mystery coolant loss.

The gasket is not hard to replace. Just be sure to bolt the cylinder liners down with a couple of bolts and washers. With the head off, they can come up off the seat, start leaking coolant into the oil. Once they move, they will have to be taken out, cleaned, new orings installed. A whole new can of worms!
 
(quoted from post at 13:14:53 06/20/16) Foaming can be caused by additives, like stop leak, cleaner, etc.

Is the cap good?

Might try flushing it with the thermostat out, running the engine at full speed with the water hose running in the radiator, drain cock open (put the thermostat back in or replace if in doubt), replace the cap if in doubt, then run it a while, keep an eye on the temperature. Also the level needs to be down a couple inches for expansion.

If the head gasket is failing, it will get worse until more symptoms show, like missing, steam out the exhaust, condensation on the crankcase breather tube, mystery coolant loss.

The gasket is not hard to replace. Just be sure to bolt the cylinder liners down with a couple of bolts and washers. With the head off, they can come up off the seat, start leaking coolant into the oil. Once they move, they will have to be taken out, cleaned, new orings installed. A whole new can of worms!


[Rick] The cap looks good but I will try the flushing that I didn't do Thank you
 
Like others have said there may be additives in your cooling system. Mind did that when I bought it,I had to do a radiator flush a couple times and thoroughly rinse it before it stopped. If the problem is stop leak though you could expose a few holes in the radiator.
 
Well on moms old mazda van I tried one of those and it gave a false reading. I would of swore by the test the head gasket was blown especially since she ran it pretty hot after the water pump failed. Took it to a local shop and they just did the water pump and that's all it needed. Don't know why I got a false reading as I have seen those work well before.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top