Does my H have a cracked head?

After going out in the garage and seeing a puddle of water and some coolant under my H one day, I got to inspecting it, and there were two thin lines of coolant coming from the two inside spark plugs, trickling down the block and leaking on the floor, I also noticed a bit of coolant dripping from the water jacket behind the carb. I pulled the radiator cap and sure enough it was frozen. Turns out the idiot who had it before me (I had just bought it) filled it up with water instead of antifreeze, that or had the mixture way off. I thawed it out, drained the oil, there was no water/coolant in the oil at all. I fired it up and it seems to run fine, no smoke, still has all of its power, but when it runs coolant still trickles out of the spark plug holes and out of the water jacket..which leads me to believe it developed a crack in the head. I haven't had a chance to pull the plugs yet, but if anything I hope the block isn't trashed. I woudn't think so with no coolant in the oil? But I'm not sure.

The smaller tractors were/are famouse for cracking the block behind the carb, nothing to worry about it's only water jacket, I have an A, looks like someone used JB weld on it, has no leaks.
I would however be concerned about the leak by the spark plug, but you might not be able to see the crack without having the head magnafluxed.

(quoted from post at 13:09:23 01/18/11) The smaller tractors were/are famouse for cracking the block behind the carb, nothing to worry about it's only water jacket, I have an A, looks like someone used JB weld on it, has no leaks.
I would however be concerned about the leak by the spark plug, but you might not be able to see the crack without having the head magnafluxed.

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If it's that small of a crack in the head could some stop leak cure it, or is that a no no on these things?

Both would be candidates for putting stop leak into the block. Subaru (certain years of 2.5l SOHC 4cylinder engines usa a Subaru stop leak that is wonderful. (factory required treatment) Jim

(quoted from post at 14:33:25 01/18/11) Both would be candidates for putting stop leak into the block. Subaru (certain years of 2.5l SOHC 4cylinder engines usa a Subaru stop leak that is wonderful. (factory required treatment) Jim

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Hopefully that will take care of it until I can find a head then. Thanks!

Have it magna-fluxed before buying another head. Hal

As Jim indicated, stop leak is not the quick fix bandaid it used to be.
When I had the intake gasket replaced on my Chev (recall) at the dealership the mechanic told me most if not all new cars come from the factory with stop leak in them and when they change coolant in a vehicle they include a can of GM stop leak.

Dell

(quoted from post at 08:25:51 01/19/11) As Jim indicated, stop leak is not the quick fix bandaid it used to be.
When I had the intake gasket replaced on my Chev (recall) at the dealership the mechanic told me most if not all new cars come from the factory with stop leak in them and when they change coolant in a vehicle they include a can of GM stop leak.

Dell

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Is that a good thing or bad thing? Do you think it will work until I can get the head off and figure out what's really going on? like I said it runs fine, it just slowly trickles out. Doesn't seem to be down on power, smoke, coolant in oil, or anything.

...Turns out the idiot who had it before me (I had just bought it) filled it up with water instead of antifreeze, that or had the mixture way off...

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He isn't the only one. I don't think you can put the blame on him only.

He isn't the only one. I don't think you can put the blame on him only.

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If I were selling something I knew would get ruined in a few days due to my own actions in the middle of winter, I would say "hey, by the way, I filled it up with water, so be sure to put some Antifreeze in it as soon as you get it home" :roll:

Is that a good thing or bad thing? Do you think it will work until I can get the head off and figure out what's really going on? like I said it runs fine, it just slowly trickles out. Doesn't seem to be down on power, smoke, coolant in oil, or anything.[/quote]

It's a little of both. If they trusted there engineering and materials there would be no need, but it is also a good safety and business marketing strategy because the less failures and teardowns the better for their name and business.

I happen to agree with it and put stop leak in everything I have.
(Except my dog, but am seriously considering it)

Dell

Sflem and Faster, IMHO you are both correct. Seller should have informed buyer and buyer should have checked.

Personally, I wouldn't want a tractor setting in freezing conditions without protection if I planned on selling or keeping.

Dell

Personally, I wouldn't want a tractor setting in freezing conditions without protection if I planned on selling or keeping.

Dell

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I keep my Farmalls in my garage, but in the winter it sometimes gets below freezing in there. I had just purchased it, so I hadn't got around to the inspection of it yet, wish I would have. Here at work I have some Moroso all weather seal for use with anti-freeze and coolant I'm going to try in it. It says seals leaks and minor cracks in engine blocks and cylinder heads. My Dad said a friend of his used this Moroso stuff in his tractor about 4 years ago with a cracked head and has been fine since.

(quoted from post at 12:29:14 01/19/11)

He isn't the only one. I don't think you can put the blame on him only.

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If I were selling something I knew would get ruined in a few days due to my own actions in the middle of winter, I would say "hey, by the way, I filled it up with water, so be sure to put some Antifreeze in it as soon as you get it home" :roll:

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I agree it isn't all your fault, I just hate to see the other guy get all the blame. It is more of a moral thing and what is America coming to question than anything. Because my McDonald's cup didn't say "Hot Coffee" I didn't know so I got burned (and now I will sue).

He may have forgotten the tractor got diluted or only had water in it. I try and make it a practice to NEVER add water only to a tractor. I always keep a 50/50 antifreeze jug around home. It may cost more, but it keeps you from cheating. Also, antifreeze and oil are the first two things to get checked on a new machine. In the end, you live and learn.