Tractor Repair: 1984 Ford 1710 Tractor, ford 1710 tractor, blown head gasket

Question
I purchased the tractor about 18 months ago. This is my first. What has been happening is that it has been blwoing the water out of the radiator cap and overflow tube. It will do this not long after statring it up. It does it with a new cap on the radiator and also with the thermostat out. It is not happening becase it is overheating. There is no oil evident on the oil dipstick in the crankcase. The tractor has 1260 hours on it. What could be wrong? What can I do to pinpoint the problem. I have some mechanical ability on gas engines but have never owned a diesel tractor. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hello,

  The water being pushed out of the radiator is probably caused by a blown head gasket.  No oil on the dipstick is a separate maintenance issue and hopefully no other damage was caused by running it low on oil.  The head will have to be removed and the head gasket replaced.  The head should be checked for cracks and warpage before installing it again.

                       Good luck,

                               Arnie