The TR4A had the "block test" today. Yes, we have exhaust gas leaks.
And, the overheating has gotten worse. But, that's the good news because
decifering the problem has gotten easier. I ran another compression test. No 1
and 4 are significantly down. The head is coming off tomorrow. I'll be looking
for burn marks.
Moss suggests I run with a solid copper gasket, but I've had sealing problems
with one before. So, I've settled for a standard copper sandwich gasket for
now. I will also talk to GasketWorks regarding a real 87 mm gasket for the long
term.
Thanks!
John
-----Original Message-----
From: Geo Hahn [SMTP:ahwahnee@cybertrails.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 4:37 PM
To: TR
Subject: Re: TRactor Engine Overheating
John & Patricia Donnelly wrote:
>...having the coolant tested for exhaust gases (also known as a block test).
We
>believe that the head gasket may have burnt through, especially since I have
87
>mm pistons and there have been similar type problems with these gaskets in the
>past with the bigger liners. A compression test, nor a cooling system pressure
>test wouldn't find this type of problem.
>
FWIW -- I once tested for and found this problem (on a Fiat) by
stretching a balloon over the radiator neck and pumping air into each
cylinder one at a time (using the spark plug hole fitting from my
compression tester) until I found one cylinder that inflated the
balloon. If you don't have a big enough balloon you can probably find
something suitable in most gas station restrooms.
The 'sniff test' should be conclusive but the balloon method had a
certain "Mr Wizard" quality to it.
Geo Hahn
59 TR3A
64 TR4
Mt Lemmon, AZ
Check out the new British Cars Forum:
http://www.team.net/the-local/tiki-view_forum.php?forumId=8
|