861 Powermaster - leaking radiator fluid?

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Blueox4

Member

• Oct 31, 2018

• #1

I just bought my 1958 861 Powermaster and do not have a Service Manual yet. I have it parked in my heated garage and see this morning a small drip from under the front right side under the radiator. Can someone tell me how to get in there and see what the issue is until my Service Manual arrives? How do I access the radiator and radiator hoses? Thank you!

 

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Dean

Well-known Member

• Oct 31, 2018

• #1

The first thing to do is inspect visually with a hand held lamp.

Usually one can determine the source of the leak by visual inspection.

Post back once leak(s) found.

Dean

 

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souNdguy

Well-known Member

• Oct 31, 2018

• #1

plenty of options.. but as Dean said.. look for the wet spot.

could be a hose, a seam on the tank, tank to core, the core itself, or from the cap / overflow drain up top, or even the radiator petcock drain.

 

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Blueox4

Member

• Oct 31, 2018

• #1

I will look when I get home from work in a couple hours and see if I can determine the source of the leak and report back. Thank you! I was not sure if I had to disassemble anything to do that. I?ll report back in a couple hours.

 

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David G

Well-known Member

• Oct 31, 2018

• #1

Check to see if that is under the overflow tube, might be that simple.

 

showcrop

Well-known Member

• Oct 31, 2018

• #1

Since the lower hose is on the right side I would start by checking the hose clamp there.

 

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Blueox4

Member

• Oct 31, 2018

• #1

It looks like it?s leaking right at the bottom of the radiator. On the lower right part of the radiator if you were sitting on the tractor, facing the engine the fins are wet and it?s dripping out of there. I got a real nice pic. I?ll post it here if I can.

 

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Dean

Well-known Member

• Oct 31, 2018

• #1

Verify that it's not a broken or missing overflow tube.

If the overflow tube is missing or cracked at its connection to the filler tube and the radiator overflows, coolant can run down from above.

Dean

 

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Blueox4

Member

• Oct 31, 2018

• #1

Confirmed that it?s not a broken overflow tube. The leak starts pretty much right there in the pic about 3-4 inches up from the bottom of the radiator. Above that the radiator is dry. Looks to me like the radiator itself has a leak. I?m ordering a Service Manual this Friday along with a new radiator and hoses. I may need a new shroud I guess too from what Steiner says on radiator part page. Is it hard to replace and will I need any other parts other than radiator, hoses, clamps? Thanks a lot too to everyone who helped me here. I really appreciate it! This is the first tractor I have ever had and it?s pretty old so I knew I would have some issues.

 

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Dean

Well-known Member

• Oct 31, 2018

• #1

I've been doing this for a long time and do not buy aftermarket radiators.

Do you have a good radiator shop in your area (yes, I know they are getting hard to find)? If so, you will be well served by having your OEM radiator repaired or recored.

Dean

 

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Blueox4

Member

• Oct 31, 2018

• #1

Advice taken Dean. I have a place that can possibly repair or recore it. I was going to call NH and see if they have one but I?m not sure they would carry parts for a tractor this old. If they have one would that be considered a OK replacement? They seem to have good parts diagram on their website. Anyway, I?ll see if I can remove it tomorrow. Been searching threads here on removing the radiator. I?ll have a Service Manual soon. Thanks Dean, appreciate your help.

 

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Dean

Well-known Member

• Oct 31, 2018

• #1

If I was to buy a new Ford tractor radiator, I would probably buy it from DC (cannot post the full name here). They also have fan shrouds, etc.

That said, I had my radiator shop repair/test/paint my back up OEM 8N radiator earlier this year. The cost was $80.

A GOOD (probably fits correctly) aftermarket replacement will cost close to $300.

Dean

 

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marcusmerritt

Member

• Oct 31, 2018

• #1

Ford 2000; 3 cyl. Diesel; 8/2 Trans.....just last week picked up the radiator for my tractor from Marietta Radiator who was able to repair the leak(s) in the fins. Rodded it out and painted it so it looks like new. Cost was $125 which is less than a new one. Good luck to you getting yours fixed.

 

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Blueox4

Member

• Oct 31, 2018

• #1

Could you email me the info for DC?

 

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Sean in PA

Well-known Member

• Oct 31, 2018

• #1

I think he's referring to a site for a man whose first name is Dennis and his last name is Carpenter. Yesterday's Tractors doesn't let you post links or names of those that they consider their competition, even for things that they do not sell. Google that name followed by Ford trator parts and you will find it.

 

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Dean

Well-known Member

• Nov 1, 2018

• #1

Sean, above, is correct.

Dean

 

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Blueox4

Member

• Nov 1, 2018

• #1

I?d like to start removing the radiator. Does the sheet metal cowl need to come off to get the radiator off?

 

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Dean

Well-known Member

• Nov 1, 2018

• #1

Yes. You must first remove the hood.

Doing so will give you the opportunity to paint the egg crate grill surround the proper red color.

Dean

 

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Blueox4

Member

• Nov 1, 2018

• #1

I removed the two bolts holding the front bumper, one on each side. Also the 4 bolts under the control panel and the two screws at the control panel Are there any other bolts I need to remove to get the hood off? Still seems like something?s attached where the doglegs of the hood go down but I can?t see anything.