SC possible head gasket problem?

[kennytractor]

Owned this tractor for 30 years never a problem. Noticed last week when I start my SC I can feel fair amount of moisture coming out of the muffler. I can feel the moisture hitting my face and arms when standing next to the muffler. The hood is getting spotted with black soot. I removed the spark plugs a couple of times and shined a flashlight in the plug holes. Pistons 1,2, and 4 always look dry and black with soot. Piston 3 looks wet and shiny like it's been sprayed with a glossy clear coat. Very little soot. I have watched for bubbles in the radiator and have none. Tractor does not smoke. Starts right up without choking. I have adjusted the valves with no change.

Wondering is coolant could be seeping into cylinder number 3 causing this. The head gasket does leak on the outside along the entire right side of the engine. Also has a working thermostat.

 

[rustred]

we need to see the plugs , not the hood.

 

[kennytractor]

Plugs all look the same.

 

[rustred]

well , i always read the spark plugs and do a compression test on engines with troubles. ur asking .

 

[tomturkey]

Barely crack the drain plug and see if you get water/anti-freeze at the oil pan. . If your getting steam/moisture out of the exhaust, its coming from the engines cooling system getting into the combustion chamber I think you know what's going on here. Your just hoping you don't have to take that head off. gobble