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Engine Compression Test on 1959 Cockshutt 540

Z

Zen02

Member
Hi guys.My tractor was hard to start and was burning plugs so I decided to do a compression test.Here is the way I did it.
1.I removed all 4 spark plugs.
2.In cyl 3 & 4 I have 130 psi.
3.In cyl 1 & 2 I have 30 psi.
4.Put the spark plugs back in and redo the test on 1 & 2 and still
30 psi.
5.Try the teaspoon oil in cyl and still 30 psi.
6.Seems like problem with valves.Since they are not working on 2 cyl could it be a broken camshaft? I saw a door behind the carburator under the intake and manifold. Is there a way I could see if my valves are working from there? That is my diagnostic. Maybe you guys know something I could try 1st or another way to diagnose my valves. That door is probably stuck there.
Ty and play safe out there.
Zen.
 
since you have next to no compression on two adjacent cyl's. it is quite possible you have a burnt head gasket. to see the valves working you remove the valve cover. plus good idea to adjust valves periodically as that goes with a major tune up. as valve seats wear the clearance decreases causing no clearance and will burn the valve. I give each cyl. 5 puff's on the guage equally. you pretty well will get top compression on the 2nd and 3rd puff.
 
Stick a compressed air line in one cylinder on the compression or power stroke and note any losses via the next pot? But head off job whichever
way, I suspect, as valves are likely in need of regrinding or refacing/replacing anyhow - if it is not the gasket

You would be running on two cylinders if the cam were broken and you can measure reduced valve lift if any cam lobes are destroyed.
 
Stick a compressed air line in one cylinder on the compression or power stroke and note any losses via the next pot?
Good idea. This will tell me if the head gasket is good or not right?
 
to see the valves working you remove the valve cover.
That valve cover you talk about is it the one on the side behind the carburator?
 
You asked about a broken cam shaft. It is not broke! as you have compression on the back 2 cylinders. Have you ever adjusted valves? Do you have a "feeler" gauge to check the valve adjustment/ Pull the plate off of the side of the engine to check the valve clearance? Without looking if I remember right clearance for intake and exhaust valves will be about 0.017 cold. !Questions, e-mail me.
 
Havent touch valves yet. Just got this tractor lately.The guy couldnt start it he said but I bought it anyway.I finally start it and it starts well once hot but everytime cold it is hard to start so I decided to troubleshoot it. This is where im at now.Since I have 30psi on 2 adjacent cylinder I will do the air pressure test as mentioned earlier.It seems to be more likely the head gasket. I will let you know the results.
Ty.
 
Thank you all for info and advice.Seems like I have a head gasket job to do. On tractor body I found AN7297 for serial which was easy on the web to refer as 1959 540 Cockshutt. On engine I found F400A421 S3 and on another spot J51 printed on engin as well.
Are those the numbers I need to order engine parts?Apparently most of them tractors came with F162 Continental engine.Is it enough for ordering parts?
Ty.
Zen.
 
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