L 185 with a cooling problem

[smokey196240]

Got a L185 -56179 engine model Z 751 - A cooling problem i cant see a water pump or thermostat can i see a diagram showing me how the cooling system works on this tractor . Thank You for the help.

 

[Russell King]

search for "thermosiphon" here or on WWW and all will be made clear.

No pump and no thermostat is correct for this system.

Keep the radiator clean, inside and out.

 

[ShaunBlake]

No pump; uses thermal siphon.

Cooling problems can be from low coolant; wrong coolant mix; clogged radiator; bad radiator cap; etc., etc.

Suggestion: do a forum search for L185 cooling problem (including whatever key words you think would help) and see if you can get some idea of how to troubleshoot it.

 

[Russell King]

Sorry I did not really answer the question but for a short description:

The water gets heated by the engine. Hot, lighter weight water rises and reaches the top of the engine, spills over into the radiator. The fan cools the water in the radiator and it becomes heavier as it cools and falls through the radiator.

The cold heavy water at the bottom of the radiator pushes the hot water in the engine out of its way and the cycle starts again.

I think of it like a thunderstorm where you can see the clouds rising from the hot air flowing upwards or a pan of boiling water where the center (hottest) water rises and drives the outer (cooler) water downward

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Cooling problem on these types of tractors can be from:​

#1 Low coolant to water ratio, 50/50 is the best for all around use, or just low coolant period.​

#2 Clogged or restricted exterior fins of the radiator, clean them with water and light air pressure, never a pressure washer as the fins are easily bent.​

#3 Bad radiator cap, will allow it to dump water when it's really not hot.​

#4 Bad/ loose fan belt that will not drive the fan at the proper speed.​

#5 Blown head gasket (Very common), Cracked head (fairly common), Cracked block (very rare), to confirm that the problem is one of these, with the tractor cool, open the radiator cap, and with fluid full to top, start and run tractor and look for bubbles, if there is bubbles plan on pulling the head.​

 

[In Utopia]

One other important thing, don't overfill.
Add just enough coolant to cover the fins. If filled much more than that expansion when hot will come out the overflow and lead you to believe you have a problem.

 

[rmasonjr]

I wonder - would it be possible to add a gauge for temperature? Where would be the best place to mount a probe?

I get nervous that the little 'whistle' wont sound alerting a problem.

 

[Alexisferos]

I wonder - would it be possible to add a gauge for temperature? Where would be the best place to mount a probe?

I get nervous that the little 'whistle' wont sound alerting a problem.

You can read Here and don't worry about the whistle if its clean you will hear it,
if you wanna test it just blow air with and air gun at her.

 

[smokey196240]

Thank You will get the parts and put her back together.

 

[Russell King]

Smokey -

I see that you used "equipment - Gray" in your profile.

The L185 is not a gray market tractor it is a valid USA product.

Assuming you don't have a rollover protection installed already:
You may want to look into the rollover protection program and get one at reasonable cost from Kubota ($250 or so I can't recall exactly but can find out if you are interested).

 

[meanjean]

I own an L1801 which is a very similar model.
I now have 2 temperature gauges installed.
Will post pics of the locations tomorrow.

 

[meanjean]

The mechanical gauge is plumbed here at the back of the head.

 

[meanjean]

The electric gauge is plumbed here at the coolant flange.

 

[rmasonjr]

Can we get a shot of the gauges you used? Do you have the part numbers?

 

[meanjean]

Am meter
Electric temperature sensor gauge
Mechanical temperature sensor gauge
Mechanical oil pressure gauge
Electric volt meter

 

[Alexisferos]

Am meter
Electric temperature sensor gauge
Mechanical temperature sensor gauge
Mechanical oil pressure gauge
Electric volt meter

wow, look that dash, nice information for everything.
can you plz tell tme what the diference at the readings of the temp gauges, the one at the head and the other at the flange.

 

[rmasonjr]

Very nice dash!! Do you have part numbers or sources for your gauges?

 

[meanjean]

I can't take any credit for the gauges or the other 6 upgrades, I owe it all to my great neighbor. Here's a side picture of the new dash.
Most of the gauges were sourced at Princess Auto. They are all generic parts. Do a search on Google and you will find everything you need.

I haven't run the tractor since the install of the mechanical temp gauge.
The electrical temp gauge showed me running VERY hot.
Will let you know the readings when able.

 

[ShaunBlake]

I can't take any credit for the gauges or the other 6 upgrades, I owe it all to my great neighbor...

Do you mean that your 'great neighbor' (what a wonderful neighbor!) did the fab on the gauge dashboard? That is some very nice sheet metal work!

 

[meanjean]

Do you mean that your 'great neighbor' (what a wonderful neighbor!) did the fab on the gauge dashboard? That is some very nice sheet metal work!

He gave me 4 of the 5 gauges, installed them, built the gauge holders.
That plus roughly 8 more upgrades.
Will put it all in a new thread.
He's a terrific guy.