9N Head Gasket

[Brent 41 9N]

If my new head gasket comes in, I will be replaceing it this weekend. Just thought I would ask the Pros if there is any words of wisdom or suggestions.
The tractor runs great, but I am getting a little moisture in the oil breather cap. She has also been drinking about a quart of oil every 6 to 8 running hours. She also smokes just a touch, so I ran some compression booster in the oil(can't remember brand) It has helped with smoking. Probably due for new rings, she just runs to good to get that far into it right now.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[old]

If your coolant level does not drop and it runs good I would leave it like it is, it isn't broken so DO NOT fix it. That water is most likely caused by condensation and that is a normal part of life and if your weather has been any thing like it has been where I live you have had a cold wet winter and that in its self will cause that to happen

 

[Arlie]

Did you replace the piston rings?

 

[Brent 41 9N]

Thanks Old,
I have not ever changed the rings. Just bought the tractor about a month or so ago. She runs great, just a little smoke and usage of oil. I have thought about the condensation, just never seen it in a motor. My Jeep Wrangler was doing about the same with a little moisture in the oil cap. Come to find out the head was warped and a couple valves not shutting fully. Had head rebuilt, fixed all issues, and motor never ran so good. I will eventually restore this tractor for everyday use, but for now she will have to earn her keep. Just built new house on 11.5 acres of land. Not the type to sit and wait for things to happen on there own. VERY IMPATIENT, or so my wife tells me.
Thanks again for your feed back,

 

[Brent 41 9N]

P.S.
Yes, Weather has been HORRID!! I live outside of Raleigh,NC. Tired of looking out window at the mud!!

 

[Dell (WA)]

Bret......words of wizdom, yes, HANG yer new headgasket on a nail on the barn wall. BEFORE you replace yer headgasket, do the dreaded compression test. Ford specs: 90psi min (dry)

From what you posted; "tractor runs great" is NO reason to replace headgasket. "smokes just a touch" is NO reason to replace headgasket. I can buy alotta qts of oil for along time before it is necessary to replace rings. ......respectfully, Dell

 

[old]

Condensation then and the only fix for that is better weather and running it long hard hours so as to boil the water out of the engine

 

[Brent 41 9N]

Thanks Dell,
I might just do that. I bought the entire rebuild gasket set. Thought I might fix a few oil seeps as well. But, you are right, she is running great. My neighbor has a 40 9N and he cannot get over how well mine runs and only paid 2000 with a finishing mower only 1 year old. And yes, I know, One 8N front wheel

 

[old]

One word of warning. If you start working on one that runs great then by the time your done it will not run great any more and you will be working on it day in and day out till you figure out what you messed up on it. That is why I tell people if it isn't broke don't fix it or you will be fixing it for a long long time

 

[OH Boy]

check if it's got a thermostat in the cooling system. If that is missing the engine will never get up to operating temperature which is what ordinarily 'boils' that condensation off from the crankcase. If it does have a thermostat (and its working right) the condensation you are seeing could just be normal result of cool humid conditions.