QuestionQUESTION: I have a 1996 John Deere 445 that started leaking antifreeze into the crankcase. Took it to the local JD dealer, and they diagnosed the problem, and wanted to replace the water pump, cam shaft, oil pump gear, and gaskets. The quoted price was $1166.00 for parts and labor. I decided to fix replace the water pump myself, and forget the other stuff, since I will be selling it soon. After replacing the water pump, and running the engine for about 5 minutes it started to smoke, and discovered more antifreeze in the crankcase, and on top of one piston. Looks like the problem may have been a head gasket. I would like to know if this is a common problem with these engines? The JD dealer indicated that water pumps were more of a common problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Russell
ANSWER: Hello Russell:
>>This is Not a Common Problem with these Engines.
>>The Problem May be the Antifreeze that was Used.
>>I Replaced the Heads on 1 of my Units Every 8 Months and was Really Getting Upset with it.
>>I Noticed that the Head Gaskets Seemed to be Eaten(Rusted through) from the Water Jacket to the Compression Chamber (Cylinder).
>>I was Discussing this with a Parts Supplier and he Suggested I Use the Antifreeze (Dex-Cool) that is Especially Formulated for Aluminum Engines. I Started Using the Suggested Antifreeze and I have Not Replace Another Head Gasket in 5 Years.
>>I'm Not Saying this will Cure your Problem, but it Did Cure Mine.
>>You Need to make Sure the Head and Block are Not Warped. If they are Good, then Replace the Head Gasket.
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John, Thanks for your response and expertise. I called the JD dealer today, and he mentioned that the front engine cover gasket behind the water pump has water passage and was more likely to be leaking than the head gaskets. We ran a compression test and found high compression on both cylinders. We also noticed considerably antifreeze in the oil within a short warm-up time of about 5 minutes. Due to the rapid loss of antifreeze, I am leaning towards replacing the front engine cover gasket first. Will definately use the Dex-Cool, when I refill the fluids. Thanks again John I really appreciate your thoughts and interest. Russell
AnswerHello Again Russell:
>>If the Water Loss is as Great as you Described in this E-Mail, then the Dealer and you are Correct in Replacing the Front Engine Cover Gasket before the Head Gaskets. A Leak as Large as you Described would Cause a Loss of Compression and Blow Water Out the Exhaust.
>>Anytime I or Anyone here at All Experts can be of Assistance, Please Do to Hesitate to E-Mail us.
>>Thanks for Using All Experts. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Respectfully
John
