544B Coolant Problems Headgasket?

[esb]

I recently bought a 1980(?) John Deere 544B Loader. It is my understanding that it has the 414 ci, 6.8L, 6414T engine. The original owner had died and we bought it off the brother, who used it very sparingly around his house as he had a newer loader. The initial inspection of the machine missed the lack of any coolant in the machine. Assuming the best, we filled the radiator and had no leaks. Feeling good, we started up the machine but we were greeted with antifreeze blowing/bubbling out the overflow tube immediately. Shutting the machine down, we check the cap again, and it was an older, non-appropriate cap. We sourced an OEM JD one and tried again. Unfortunately, the result was the same.

I have researched Google and this forum to not much avail. It seems this machine is older than the internet and there is not much out there. I am assuming that the machine needs a head gasket. Would anyone have an idea differently?

Thanks in advance!

 

[JD Dave]

A bad head gasket is the most likely diagnosis. Is there coolant in the oil? Those are decent engines but you might need to inspect the head and block and while you're in there, inspect the cylinders/sleeves and pistons. If you get invloved, do it right. Who likes to do a job over?

 

[esb]

A bad head gasket is the most likely diagnosis. Is there coolant in the oil? Those are decent engines but you might need to inspect the head and block and while you're in there, inspect the cylinders/sleeves and pistons. If you get invloved, do it right. Who likes to do a job over?

No coolant in the oil. I figured we would have the head checked at a machine shop before we reinstalled it. What should I look for when looking at the liners and pistons? Well, other than obvious cracks. I want to do it right the first time... so we will spend the time on it.

Thanks for your time!

 

[JD Dave]

Inspect the cylinders for smoothness and ridges at the top which will help determine long-term wear. Did it run okay? Orings on sleeves go bad over time and begin to leak coolant into the oil. Inspect the head for cracks and flatness. Check cam lift and condition of the valve train. How far you go depends on your time and money and a consideration of what specifically must be replaced or repaired.