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Don, the first Buda engines were put in WD-45 Diesel tractors introduced in October, 1954. I've heard quite a bit about early failures on this tractor. They built 6509 of these diesels. Three years later, the D-17 was introduced with essentially the same engine but now made by Allis Chalmers as a result of the acquisition of Buda. I couldn't find the production numbers for D-17 Diesels. In 1961, the D-19 was introduced. I've really not heard much about head failures on either the 17 or 19. As far as repairing a cracked head, I've not heard of it. Usually the cracks appear around the valve seat allowing water into the cylinder. Welding cast iron means that the materials are dis-similar. Dis-similar materials will have different heat transfer rates, thermal expansion rates, wear rates and corrosion rates. Where these differences are tolerable on the side of the block, they are too important to allow a permanent repair in the valve seat area. On the plus side, 7 years is a significant time for a learning curve. I have a D-17 diesel with the Buda (Allis Chalmers) engine. I wouldn't trade it for a gas model for any money. I would only trade it for another diesel. In fact, I wish all of my 16 tractors were diesels. If it ain't broke, it will stay unbroke providing nothing catastophic happens like over heating. Crack the drain plug for the crankcase. turn it out until something appears. If there is water/antifreeze in the pan, it will come first. If there is even a drop of water or anti-freeze, repairs are will be required soon. If all you see is oil, I'd say go for it. You should also look in the radiator for signs of oil. I, too, would love to have one. Don't see them here in Texas and it is a pretty heavy and wide tractor for me to haul on my tandem axel trailer with a half ton pickup. Good luck.
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