Well, I got to the point in the engine assembly where I could pressure check the cooling system. Boy, am I glad I did! Everything leaked! So off comes the water pump and thermostat housing and the water manifold plate. Did my best to sand the engine surfaces with a sanding block to get them cleaned up and flat.
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Then I went after the loose parts surfaces with either a sanding block, surface plate sanding and milling the surfaces to the point where I THINK they will hold.
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I ordered OEM gaskets and on the advice from a friend some sealant called Threebond.
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The original system was not a pressurized system. Somewhere in the production run of these tractors they switched to the pressurized system. I will be ordering a new radiator and this will be for a pressurized system so I have my fingers crossed this sealer will work. The water manifold plate is my biggest concern because of all the surface area the pressure will work against. Stay tuned.