When to rebuild the 743 motor?

[Dentpounder]

I've got a 743 that has been getting harder and harder to start. I've installed new glow plugs and didn't seem to help much. It will start on a couple cylinders and slowly bring in the rest. It's at it's worst when cold and can take a few minutes to all come in. When it's warm, same thing but they come in a little quicker. It runs great and has plenty of power when it's running. I believe it's a compression issue and possibly a head gasket. My biggest issue is that I need to use it for a couple more months as I'm in the middle of building a new house. How much more damage can I be doing or when do I decide it's had enough and pull the motor? Thanks!

 

[OldMachinist]

Inspect the injectors for a good spray pattern and do a cylinder compression test and you'll get a good idea of whats going on. Minimun compression is 320-352 psi on a Kubota V1702.
To test the injectors remove the inlet line, remove injector, reconnect the line, have someone crank the engine and see whatthe spray pattern looks like. You could also take the injectors to a diesel shop and have them tested for spray pattern and opening pressure and leaks.

 

[Tazza]

Inspect the injectors for a good spray pattern and do a cylinder compression test and you'll get a good idea of whats going on. Minimun compression is 320-352 psi on a Kubota V1702.
To test the injectors remove the inlet line, remove injector, reconnect the line, have someone crank the engine and see whatthe spray pattern looks like. You could also take the injectors to a diesel shop and have them tested for spray pattern and opening pressure and leaks.

Excellent advise, i'd do the same thing.