oil in 8N radiator causes

[Copperhead don't play]

Bought a tractor, brought it home, fired it up yesterday, played with carb and governor, this morning I have traces of oil in the radiator. What would cause the oil to be in the coolant?
And, what type of repairs would you suggest?
Thanks,
Copperhead

 

[JMOR]

A "trace" might be coolant lubricant? Significant amounts of engine oil would mean the separation of crankcase & coolant passages has been compromised. If no performance issues or coolant in crankcase, then I leave well enough alone.

 

[Bruce (VA)]

As Jesse said, probably best to leave it be.


While water in the oil is always a problem, oil in an N radiator is not usually a problem.

Some anti-freeze has water pump lubricant in it. Or someone might have put stop leak in there. That's oil. Because it's a flathead, no oil lines are above the head gasket. But, you could have a leak in the head gasket which will produce a sheen on the coolant thanks to combustion gases. Or, if you have a leaky head gasket & the engine is burning oil, you will get more than just a sheen of oil in the radiator.

Any performance problems?

While a compression check can tell you that you have a gasket problem, it?s not a sure thing. A leak-down test will tell you if it?s leaking for sure.

Meanwhile, if you really need to do something......re-torque the head to specs: 50-55 ft lbs for nuts, 65-70 ft lbs for bolts. Torque it in the proper sequence.
75 Tips

 

[Copperhead don't play]

Thank you; Bruce and JMOR

 

[8NChris]

Never been into a Flathead myself. If any studs go into or close to a water jacket I would suspect a block crack between a stud and oil galley. Likely the experienced Flathead guys have the best advice. Take my advice as a last resort if you continue to find oil in the coolant and vice versa.

 

[1 Acre Warrior]

Get a cooling system pressure test done. No pressure drop, no problem.