Evan: The reason I mentioned the possibility of head gasket leak is because of my issues with a 1984 FORD, 1710 tractor. The following is my experience. The 1710 has a 3 cylinder diesel engine of about 23.5 horse power and a standard transmission. When purchased, the tractor was used, with about 60 hours. I purchased it along with a 60” finish mower, 60” rotary cutter and a 5’ grading blade for snow removal from the former owner of the property. This was my first diesel and of a tractor larger than a typical lawn mower and presumably my insignificant expertise was similar to the seller of the1710. He explained to me at the time that he had purchased two smaller machines which were inadequate for the tasks required on the property. One of the smaller tractors had rolled over, so he bought the 1710 with the accessories listed above. The 1710 did not have ROPS.
From almost the beginning of my 30+ years of owner ship, the 1710 tractor would belch coolant out the overflow tube on hot day while I cut 5 acres of pasture grass and associated weeds. I have some steep hills on the property. If I cut a fairly level section of pasture, there usually wasn’t an overheating problem. There was never a problem if the tractor was just idling or driving a post hole digger. Over the years I replaced, the radiator, thermostat, all hoses, water pump, tried several radiator caps and kept the radiator screen clean. I can honestly say that neither of these attempts to fix the problem worked or seemed to solve or even improve the cooling.
I came to suspect there was a cracked head or a leaking head gasket, but with the few inexpensive tools (dyes in the coolant or bubbles from exhaust) I just couldn’t confirm a head or gasket problem. There were never any leaks from the block, head, radiator or water pump. I went to the local dealer for advice. I didn’t have the ability to remove the head to check for myself to confirm the head was the problem. I was left with having the tractor hauled to the dealer, have the head removed, x-rayed for cracked, etc. $$$. That would be a lot of money for an inspection if the problem wasn’t a leaking head gasket.
So, I used the tractor for years and religiously checked the coolant before and after use along with keeping an eye on the coolant temperature when using the 1710. A gallon of anti-freeze mixed 50/50 would last me at least a year. That approach lasted until the spring of 2022. Last Spring while I was cutting a field, the coolant came gushing out of the radiator overflow tube. I let the tractor cool down and refilled the radiator. Same thing happened again but now just idling. The tractor was hauled to the dealer for the inspection I had put off years ago. The verdict was a head with several cracks. All attempts to weld the head or find a used head were unsuccessful. The 1710 with about 1,040 hours was sold for scrap metal. It served me well.
So, in late summer I became the proud owner of a brand-new Kubota L3301 with a standard transmission. I did some research before the new purchase. I suspected that maybe the 23 hp. 1710 was undersized for the hills in my pasture which may have contributed to the head cracking. I may have bought a bigger engine and tractor then is necessary. But I am very pleased with the handling and stability on the hills. Having the ROPS on the new Kubota was a selling point to my wife. My Kubota is used for pulling a 545 #, Land Pride 3 spindle, Grooming Mower, Model FD2560. I have been very impressed with the finish cut. Unlike the 1984 Ford I710, the L3301 climbs the hills pulling the Land Pride mower with little effort or engine laboring. This spring, the mower is slicing through the grass and I am sure the job isn’t taking as long as before the new purchase. The new tractor has less than 30 hours.
Evan, I wish you success and do hope my experience may be of some help in your trouble shooting. I spent many hours frustrated over the problem with my old Ford 1710.
