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These engines for the TO-20 (Z120) and TO-30 (Z129) will have problems if abused; e.g., if overheated or with freezing without adequate freeze protection. Leaks could be from a number of sources: 1-the cylinder liner seals (at the bottom of the liner to the block) could leak in time even if not badly abused. They just get old.
2-cracks in the block. These can be at a number of locations, but between the cylinders at the bottom of the cylinder liner seals is a likely candidate if leaking water into the oil.
3-headgaskets. This could be a problem, but water into oil is less likely from this cause.
4-Corrosion. Holes can rust from the cooling jacket into the crankcase. The engine can be disassembled, inspected and rebuilt without complete removal (an inframe rebuild) but good crack inspection will take an experienced specialist and possibly a good cleaning. And proper repairs of cracks and the rebuilding of the crank and certain seals are better (or can only be) done after spitting the tractor and removing the engine. However, don't be discouraged just by the possibility (or even the reality) of cracks. These cracks are very frequently repairable. There are many working TO-20s and TO-30s out there with repaired blocks. Properly repaired, they will last as long as those that have not been cracked, at least until abused again. There are also some success stories out there with do-it-yourself repairs but I wouldn't do it that way Also, there is an abundance of parts. I have seen a number of used blocks, as well, that are out there. Not as many as for the Fords, but there were lots of these Ferguson tractors made. Also for non-purests, the Z129 of the TO-30 can be adapted for the Z120 without much trouble giving additional possibilities. Hope that this helps.. JIm
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