Da'40: The Baby Steps Forward

[pappy]

I do believe it does have the giant 19mm plug. It is also in need of a gasket, so that works well.

I might get the energy to do a cold compression check this afternoon, or maybe tomorrow morning. I have a hunch what happen.

 

[DanS HJ-45]

That sucks buddy. On the plus side it happened REAL close to home, considering...

I'll be real curious to know what's going on in there. I'd understand if it was an engine that a goober like me built, but yours....

Dan

 

[pappy]

I just washed off the engine so I can go play with it. A few more details.

When I left CA I checked all the fluids. When I arrived home oil was down a quart. I just checked the radiator and it was very low. During the drive, and even after the engine started making noise, the oil pressure was never lower than 50 psi and the temp never went over 195*. Considering the low radiator I think I have a blown head gasket. I will know more after the engine dries and I can check compression. There was no oil in the radiator. I have not drained the crankcase yet. Don't know how that could cause a dry valve train.

 

[pappy]

#1: 35 psi
#2: 30 psi
#3: 150 psi
#4: 160 psi
#5: 160 psi
#6: 185 psi

 

[Cruisergreg]

#1: 35 psi
#2: 30 psi
#3: 150 psi
#4: 160 psi
#5: 160 psi
#6: 185 psi

Ugly...so what do you think happened?

 

[pappy]

Head gasket between #1 and #2 is my guess. Tim and I are talking.

 

[Cruisergreg]

Head gasket between #1 and #2 is my guess. Tim and I are talking.

For something that ought to last at least 150K miles I hope you're getting some money back...

 

[evanz80]

Head gasket between #1 and #2 is my guess. Tim and I are talking.

Ouch. Doesn't it also seem strange that the compression in #6 is so much higher? I guess that's not your biggest issue right now.

 

[SteveLCetc]

So, inquiring minds want to know... Did you pull the head yet? I'm thinking you'll get back on here as soon as you have done that, like in a few minutes...

 

[pappy]

Nope. But, parts have been ordered. It's an OEM gasket this time.

 

[SteveLCetc]

So, what's the possibility the head or block face has been eroded?

 

[pappy]

So, what's the possibility the head or block face has been eroded?

Steve, please.

I just blew the head gasket on Da'40.
I had a tooth pulled today, a tooth that had a root canal twice.
I had to cut my CA vacation short.

Try not to make my week any worse than it already is.

 

[DanS HJ-45]

Steve, please.

I just blew the head gasket on Da'40.
I had a tooth pulled today, a tooth that had a root canal twice.
I had to cut my CA vacation short.

Try not to make my week any worse than it already is.

Man, the tooth thing makes the head gasket seem good.

Are you still going to come up Thursday or Friday? I'm running into town tomorrow morning (around 9AM), but I'll be tinkering with Dad's 40 both days...

Dan

 

[marcfj60]

Steve, please.

I just blew the head gasket on Da'40.
I had a tooth pulled today, a tooth that had a root canal twice.
I had to cut my CA vacation short.

Try not to make my week any worse than it already is.

Did you get the tractor ready for the parade yet?

Seriously though, major bummer on all three counts. Did they give you any good painkillers for the tooth extraction? Take an extra one and have a beer. You won't be nearly as upset for a few hours.

 

[SteveLCetc]

I'm just sayin'...

If the head gasket already blew I'd be very skeptical that just replacing it would fix the problem, and I'd hate to see you button it back up only to have another one blow, yet increasing the severity of some other problem.

 

[pappy]

Did you get the tractor ready for the parade yet?

Seriously though, major bummer on all three counts. Did they give you any good painkillers for the tooth extraction? Take an extra one and have a beer. You won't be nearly as upset for a few hours.

Yep, tractor has been getting exercised at the farm getting ready. As far as meds, two different pain meds. So far I haven't needed the heavy stuff. Just a little achy. Doc said I can't have anything with bubbles ... beer, soda, etc. The extraction left a hole into my sinus so I can't blow my nose until it heals.

I'm just sayin'... and I'd hate to see you button it back up only to have another one blow, yet increasing the severity of some other problem.

Agree. Things will get checked out before I put the head back on. On another bright note ... at 3am this morning we euthanized one of the horses at the farm. This week is just getting better and better.

 

[Cruisergreg]

So, what's the possibility the head or block face has been eroded?

That usually happens when the HG failure is slow and chronic. I doubt Jon's low miles would cause any significant damage to those cast iron parts.

 

[Cruisergreg]

The extraction left a hole into my sinus so I can't blow my nose until it heals.

When my allergies are really severe my upper molars hurt and it's painful to chew. Apparently a very thin membrane between the molar root and sinuses...

 

[pappy]

Well, I think this is good news. There was NO coolant in the oil. I drained the oil into a clear bucket and there was no noticeable separation.

 

[alia176]

so, does that mean that there oil in the coolant? I'm just guessing since you have low compression #s and the oil pressure is typically higher than coolant pressure.