[mla14011070]

I just purchased a 322 that looked in good shape and ran well. I noticed the oil level was about an inch above the oil dipstick full mark. I change the oil and oil filter and filled it to the full mark on the dipstick. After starting it and running for a short while I noticed bubbles/foam in the oil on the dipstick when I check it. I am thinking it is a head gasket leak but not sure. I am curious what would cause this?

 

[mopar65pa]

Is the oil milky? If so, there is water in it.
Could be from sitting but I would doubt that after an oil change.
Likely a bad head gasket and leaking antifreeze to the cylinders and oil pan, worst case a cracked head doing the same.
Two tests are, a leak down test when it's hot through the radiator cap if that drops quickly it's peeing somewhere. The other is a compression test per cylinder. If you do that with the leak down test it will show you back flow to the coolant system.

 

[Mike_U]

I know it might be hard to tell but do you think the dipstick is the correct one for the engine? If by chance it is the wrong dip stick and it causes you to add more oil than necessary, the oil could get whipped up a bit more than normal as the pistons travel up and down and drag into the oil instead of just the crank and a portion of the rods.

When you changed the oil, did it look milky or gummy or did any water drain out first when you pulled the oil drain plug?

When you open the radiator cap, how is the coolant level? Is it low or does it appear to have an oil film on it? If the engine has an overflow bottle, how does it look?

 

[mla14011070]

Thanks for the response. The oil looked fine when draining, dark but not black. I double checked the dipstick and it is correct. The coolant look clear and was about an inch below the top neck. There is not an overflow bottle on it. I will try and do a compression test tomorrow.

 

[Mike_U]

Maybe a dumb question but have you used that brand of oil before and not noticed foaming?
The oil filter you used was clean and spec’d for the engine?
Could the previous owner have used an additive that had some detergent properties?
You probably have not run the engine very long since the oil change but if you have, has the oil level increased on the dip stick?

As a double-check to your dip stick, if you recall how much oil you added, you could compare it to the engine oil and oil filter capacity spec to see if you added more than is called for.

If you have not already disposed of the oil you drained from the engine, you could check it to see if any water has separated and dropped to the bottom of your storage container

 

[mopar65pa]

Then if it's not an oil leak it's a head gasket or the head. Simple mechanics. Yank the head and have it redone as well as the new gaskets. Sorry bro....................

 

[mla14011070]

Yes, you are probably right. Is the head gasket still available. I am not seeing any sources for it.

 

[TiredDeere210]

Cylinder Head Gasket for John Deere 322 & F912 Gas Yanmar / Replaces M805817 for sale online | eBay

 

[mla14011070]

Thanks. I didn't realize there was a part number change for that.

 

[mla14011070]

Quick update, I removed the radiator cap and started the 322 and let it run for about 5 minutes and did not see any bubbles coming up in the radiator coolant. The dip stick did have bubbles/foam on it when I checked the oil after shutting it off.

 

[mopar65pa]

looks like water in the oil to me.

 

[mla14011070]

This might be a dumb question, but how does water get in the oil? I also just changed it recently. Am in the process of checking compression on each cylinder. So far I checked the 1st/closest to steering wheel and it came in at about 180.

 

[mla14011070]

Cylinder pressure was 187psi for closest to steering wheel, 190 for middle, and 183 for farthest.

 

[Stevens110]

There is some bubbles on your dipstick. water condensates from the humidity in the air over the span of years. Two of the three sites that I post on seem to over suggest troubles and repairs. water or anti-freeze in the oil will make the oil look like sloppy mud . As this not a dipper designed Kohler the crank doesn't hit the oil as it uses an oil pump and pressure fed bearings.

 

[mla14011070]

Just checked the spark plugs and they are the RN11YC4 and gaps were about .035". All three spark plugs looked good with normal wear and color. I'm kind of hesitant to change the head gasket without knowing for sure that it is bad. Wouldn't I need to see a low cylinder pressure or bad spark plug for the head gasket to be bad, or is just bubbles on the oil dipstick evidence enough?

 

[Mike_U]

Are you sure the bubbles are coolant? How many hours have you operated the tractor since you changed the oil? Has the coolant
level in the radiator gone down?

Do you have a nearby major equipment dealer like Caterpillar, Komatsu or Deere or an oil supplier that offers an oil analysis service?
Even if they are not close by, you should be able to contact a Cat dealer and ask to talk to a technician in their SOS, Scheduled Oil Sampling lab and get some advice. Deere Construction dealers may offer a similar diagnostic service. They should be able to send you a sample bottle and you can send them back a sample of your oil and they can do an analysis for wear particles and the presence of coolant. The price shouldn’t break the bank. One sample won’t give you enough data on wear particles but it will be able to tell you if they find traces of coolant in the oil if you’ve run the tractor long enough since you changed oil.

 

[Skwirl]

Looks like condensation. I'd run it and keep an eye on the rad and oil levels.

 

[knockknock332]

Blackstone Laboratories offers oil analysis for like $25. I've used them many times.They'll send you sample containers postage paid for free, send them your info and payment, and in a couple weeks you'll have your answer.

You could put some dye in the coolant, run the engine, then see if the dipstick glows under UV light. I like to put dye in my coolant and hydro oil. That way I can tell what a potential leak is immediately. Fuel has a smell, oil doesn't glow, coolant glows a different color from hydro oil.

 

[harleyron74]

NAPA sells a device called a Block Tester. It consists of a tube with a rubber end on it that fits into the radiator neck. A blue fluid is poured into the tube. If combustion gasses are leaking into the cooling system the fluid will turn yellow. I have used mine on autos and trucks, farm tractors but not on garden tractors ( mine are air cooled) so I don't know if it would work on your tractor but I don't see why not.
Some auto parts store's will loan you one but they do charge a small amount for the fluid as once used it can't be used again. The NAPA tester I have sold for around 35 buck's several year's ago but I have not looked up the current cost.
Good luck with your tractor. I hope your head gaskets are sound.

 

[mla14011070]

Thanks for the tip harleyron74. I ordered the Blackstone Laboratories oil analysis kit and will send it in to see what they say.