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TO30 problems

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Jim

06-01-2001 07:33:07




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I have a '52 TO30. How common are head gasket blowouts with these compared to other things that could cause performance problems? I was brush-hogging the other night when I noticed the engine was lugging, running a little bit rough, and generally just seemed tired going uphill. There's no smoke blowing out anywhere. (Well, maybe a tiny puff here and there....) I would normally think tune-up because I'm sure it's been awhile, but it's been my experience that performance drop-off due to the need for a tune-up is more of a gradual thing. This seemed to be too noticeable in too short a time. So I thought of head gasket, because it seems similar to the type of thing that happens when head gaskets go. But I don't know....as old as this is, I don't suppose it would take much in the way of plug or point deterioration to make a difference in the way it runs. I'm sure it's not like these electronic, fuel injected engines that can run almost until the spark plug electrodes are disintegrated before you notice anything. Anyway, any thoughts on what the most likely culprit is in this case? Thanks.

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David Waymann

06-01-2001 13:29:55




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 Re: TO30 problems in reply to Jim, 06-01-2001 07:33:07  
Jim: Hi. In addition to what Neal and Dennis are suggesting, I'd check the radiator/cooling system. Is there enough coolant/antifreeze? Does the thermostat open? Is the water pump working or the fanbelt slipping? Is the radiator plugged with debris? Is the pressure cap leaking or holding pressure? I would also pressure test the radiator/cooling system for any leaks. My first thought is that this is a fuel problem (supply or mixture) and my second is that it is tied to a head gasket/cracked block conditon (hopefully not). Your cooling system pressure test and compression test will help rule out these possibilities. In any case, the health of your engine really depends upon a good cooling system that will not allow the engine to freeze in the winter or overheat under any condition. Hope this helps. Keep us posted, David (in Michigan)

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Neal(IN)

06-01-2001 09:15:19




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 Re: TO30 problems in reply to Jim, 06-01-2001 07:33:07  
Before you dive into opening up the engine I would look into easier things. Check the fuel flow to the carb to be sure it isn't blocked a bit. check the timing and be sure the advance in the distributor is working and none of the plugs or wires are bad. Check the point gap and condition.
Finally do a compression check to see if one cylinder is unusually low.
A good friend had a big power drop on his 20 which turned out to be a bent pushrod. If it's been awhile since the valves were adjusted you may want to check that as well.
Just some thoughts.

Neal

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Ray,IN

06-02-2001 21:39:30




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 Re: Re: TO30 problems in reply to Neal(IN), 06-01-2001 09:15:19  
I'd like to add to Neal's suggestions. The most obivous cause is the most overlooked. Remove the fuel sediment bowl and inspect for water. A bowl full of water is hard to distinguish from this "new" gas. I've experienced this, and there was just enough gas getting through to run the engine, but under load it acted like yours. I hope your problem is as simple to fix as mine was. After cleaning the bowl-and its filter, I added some fuel system cleaner and water remover to the gas tank-mixed proportionatly to tank capacity. A partially empty tank will allow condensation to wring water from the air and fill the sediment bowl unnoticed.

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Dennis

06-01-2001 10:40:20




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 Re: Re: TO30 problems in reply to Neal(IN), 06-01-2001 09:15:19  
Good suggestions. If those don't disclose the problems, check the valve springs. I've had two break. The compression check might show a problem if one is broken.



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