85hokie,
Thank you for the reply.
"What are you doing when it overheats? Bushhogging? FEL work?"
Using my finish mower, Woods RM48 or Caroni TC590. Grass wasn't too tall, third gear; guessing on engine RPM 2/3 throttle setting?
"How are you gauging the temperature? Infrared laser?”
Installed temperature gauge. Discrepancy of 25 degrees between with infrared laser and gauge.
"What is your coolant ratio?"
It's around 60/40, rated for -30 below, need that up north.
"How much fluid is in radiator? 3/4" - 1" from the top lip?"
The level is about 1” from the top.
"Have you taken any temps at the bottom neck of the radiator? SHOULD be a 50 degree drop through the radiator"
Good question, the temperature drop is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
"How do you know the fins are clean? Looks can be very deceiving. I would wash them down with soap and water hose, after I blew them out with compressed air."
Pressure washer, on low setting, followed by compressed air.
"Any chance you have a small head gasket leak? Check open radiator for bubbles?"
I checked no bulbs in the radiator.
"How fast does it take to get to 230?"
About 18 minutes or so but will time it next time.
"Mine runs at 210 dead balls when working the hell out of it, then back to idle after 5 minutes will settle in at 180."
Mine will cool down to 190, according to the temp gauge. I will measure with infrared. I estimate the throttle at about around 2/3 or less.
Respectfully,
Mike from Medina, Ohio.