Super 77 engine woes

[ewinters83]

Hello everyone, I’m trying to get my great grandpas Super 77 diesel repaired. I attempted to overhaul the engine (ran ok but was getting tired) found small cracks in block and head. Local guys said that’s common for Oliver engines and just have everything decked and cleaned up and put OH kit in. Well, we did that and now it pushes exhaust into the cooling system. No oil/water mix that I can see.
Long story short, does anyone know what engines will fit into this chassis without a lot of modifications? I’m having zero luck tracking down a Super 77 engine. Any help is greatly appreciated. I have had a lot of comments on trying to repair what i have but I don’t want to waste money on potential fixes either.

 

[Tramway Guy]

I would take the head off and have it pressure tested. Only way to make sure whether the cracks are fatal. I have an 88 with cracks in the head and the top deck of the block; they’ve not been a problem.

 

[JOCCO]

A few things here there are magnaflux and dye tests for cracks. You can rig up a tool and pressurize the radiator to see if it is putting fluid in the engine. You can air test a cylinder to see if it is putting bubbles in the cooling system. None of this will fix it but pin the problem down. You may just need a head.

 

[scootergmc]

Welcome- At this point based on your info I doubt you need an engine, but before you go pulling the head or looking for anything, and since it ran prior to the overhaul, give us more info...

How long has it been since the work was done? How many hours has it run since? Has the head been properly retorqued? Are you losing actually losing water/coolant? Have you drained the oil to see if there is coolant (it would be sitting under the oil)? Does the engine start easily? Is there any smoke in the exhaust, etc?

What have others told you to do? Sounds like your shop was somewhat familiar with them...

As has been said, anytime you're dealing with these old Olivers and having the head redone, it is wise to always have it pressure tested. Yes, cracks are common but that doesn't mean they're throwaway.

And to answer your question, I believe any 77/770/1550/1555 engine should drop right in, and hopefully someone will be along to correct me if I'm wrong.

Since it is a family tractor, it would be much cooler to have the original engine, and I think everyone here would agree with that. I think any fix at this point would still cost less than a transplant, especially since you wouldn't really know what the next engine would need.