Ford 172 diesel squealing noise, no oil pressure, loose harmonic balancer bolt, and white smoke out of breather

Apply a little choke, if it smooths out some that is an indication of dirty carb or if it has a load adjustment open it a little. Condition of points? possible cracked or carbon tracked distributor cap? Suggest doing diagnostics not throwing parts at it. I ran soil sampling drill rigs that used the 172 many years ago and they always were smooth and reliable. I'm sure you washed down before installing, is the inside if the distributor cap completely dry or does it have moisture letting it cross fire.
 
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I didn't pressure wash it before I installed it. I leaned it out slightly and it runs pretty well now. I'll check the distributor and points tomorrow. It's been a long week with this loader/engine
 
Yet, another question. The gas engine has a bolt instead of a temperature sensor in the head. I pulled the sensor from my diesel head but it is not the same diameter as the gas head. Does anyone have a part number I can order that would be the smaller diameter? Thanks!
 
As woreout points out and I reiterated that sediment bowl is an actual fuel pump. If you are pushing fuel through it with an electric pump you are setting yourself up for a failure. The internal seals of those occasionally fail. When that happens even with no electric pump pressuring it they can leak gas into the crankcase. The electric pump would just increase this risk. Sometimes when this happens the gas oil mix in the crankcase gives off enough vapor that the combustion in the cylinders will cause an internal explosion and rip the tin oil pan and valve cover loosed from the engine. Either the electric or mechanical pump should be used by itself. Wiring the pump to always run with the key is fine. In automobiles electric fuel pumps rely on the engine to be running to continue to operate after a brief timed start up cycle. The main reason is so in the case of an accident that compromises the fuel system the pump is not running to pump a gas puddle that may ignite.
Just to confirm, I have the electric fuel pump bypassing the mechanical fuel pump and I plan to remove the mechanical pump and block it off.
 
Thanks for all the help with this engine dilemma turned engine swap. The gas engine seems to run great. I just ordered the new water pump and a thermostat. I also need to plumb in the oil pressure gauge to the engine block and get the temp sensor hooked up. Again, couldn't have done it without your help. Thank you!
 
symptoms you're describing could indicate several potential issues with your Ford 172 diesel engine. It's crucial to address the loose harmonic balancer bolt promptly to prevent further damage. Additionally, the lack of oil pressure and white smoke may suggest internal engine problems requiring professional diagnosis.
 
steven67 welcome to YT! While your added information is indeed valid addressing the symptom the original poster(OP) made in his opening post; in my opinion it is a waste of breath in how it currently applies towards his particular problem. I’m not sure if you are familiar with “discussion” forums, maybe you are and participate regularly elsewhere. Either way in my opinion you have missed the point of a “discussion” forum. I quote that because with 90 posts in this “Thread” obviously there have been many other members adding discussion. So all that discussion is worthy of being READ BEFORE you can make a valid addition in my opinion. If you read the entire thread you would have found out the hex oil pump drive shaft twisted off or stripped off. Then the rod bearings went out. He then decided to replace the engine with a used gas engine. See what I mean, your reply really has no value in terms of where the OP is at in addressing the problems with his machine. So just my opinion of how to make sure what your adding to a “discussion” forum has “optimal” content. Thanks and continue on, but please give consideration to what I have added here.
 

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