While we are on the subject of LP heads and stuff....

Hugh McKinney · Dec 13, 2013

I wanted ask this question: what is the best way to determine whether I have a bad head gasket, cracked head or cracked block on my 450 LP? It gets coolant in the oil, but otherwise runs just fine. Any thoughts? Thanks, Hugh

Zachary Hoyt · Dec 13, 2013

I would pull the head and look for signs that the gasket has been compromised. If it looks good then you would have to determine if the problem is the head or the block, and I do not know how you would do that most easily.
Zach

classicxl · Dec 13, 2013

To test the head you can have it pressure tested at a machine shop.

CenTex Farmall · Dec 13, 2013

Hugh, if the tractor sits for a while between uses, you might look for signs of corrosion on one of the plugs.

Also if one of the plugs is suspiciously cleaner than the others. That works on gas motors if you have a significant water leak on one cylinder. Kind of tougher on LP since the plugs are so much cleaner to begin with! Even then it won't tell what the exact problem is.

Check the head bolt torque to see if any are less than tight.

If it otherwise runs fine I would try one of the block sealer products and keep on going.

Hugh McKinney · Dec 13, 2013

Thanks to all who wrote back, that gives me a starting point. Hugh

While we are on the subject of LP heads and stuff....

Hugh McKinney

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Zachary Hoyt

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classicxl

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CenTex Farmall

Well-known Member

Hugh McKinney

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