Cat Twenty Two Issue

Do you suppose there was a new problem on top of an old problem (the fouled plug)?

I wonder about a carburetor that has trash in the float/needle valve and the engine was running short of fuel. Or could be the other way, running rich because of too much gas (heavy float?) or not enough air (filter problem) of course blue smoke is supposed to point toward oil burning while black points to running rich.

Realistically I think you are going to find the main problem with a compression test.....bet that's fun! Got any teenagers around to spin the crank?

would a bad oil ring cause the smoke without compromising the compression?

It sure could, oil rings do very little for compression.

I'd check the air filter, points and condenser.

I wouldn't doubt it could be burning a little oil, but I'd change the plug. After checking the air filter, points and condenser. Actually I'd just change the condenser. I've had them fail in the middle of a job and tractor started running poorly barely enough power to get back to the garage.

Today is 5/7, he posted once and didn't follow up with an outcome? Bummer!
Now we are all hanging in suspense waiting for the outcome..........

I appreciate the responses, and sorry for the delay. I pulled the carb off to clean it first, and it took me a week to get the carb kit. I was able to get it running, but is misfiring on cylinder's 3 & 4. I pulled the new plugs out, and they are soaked in oil. I pulled the valve cover off, and the exhaust valve on #4 is stuck open. I know it was free before I started it because I already had the cover off. Air checked #3, and have air going past the exhaust valve. With these issues I wasn't able to get compression readings. I know the head needs to come off, but could the oil issue be related to that?

As that engine has a valve cover on top, it needs to have oil up there. If the #4 valve stuck open from a piece of rust/crud that came free, I would guess the up/down of the piston my suck oil down the valve guide?(Optimistic Fantasy?)
As far as #3, I would loosen the valve clearance on that one to see if it will reseal itself bouncing the rust off the face?(Optimistic Fantasy?)
Other than that, pumping oil up past the Stuck Rings maybe where the oil is coming from? Loose Juice soaking that may loosen them up enough to get the cylinders firing again.
Or just procure the necessary gaskets and pull the head off. That way you know it won't eat a valve or something worse!
Keep us filled in on what how you are progressing.

Went ahead, and pulled the head off. Lot of carbon build up on it, but the cylinder walls look good. Found a reputable shop to do the head work. Thinking now its time to take the pan off, and pull the Pistons out to see what the rings look like. Just can't see that much oil coming from the top end.

Hello . To light a oil in the air cleaner can cause smokey engine .oil should heavy enough to oil the cleaner and not sucked up into the engine .oil from engine oil change used to be used .Bruce