L2350DT Ran Hot - Quit

[85Hokie]

Not to beat a dead horse...but...I did some more bush hogging after work tonite and after about 30 minutes the temperature started creeping up above 200. So at about 220 I headed for the garage to check out chaff build up. Sure enough it was covering at least 25% or more of the radiator. So I went out and did another hours work with temps less than 200 until near the end when it crept back up to 215 or so. More chaff build up. I bought this land from my next door neighbor, and he did not cut it at all last year and it has very high dead grass all over it, and it is obviously producing a lot of dust and chaff. I got it in my eyes and have been sneezing also. I need to get some dust masks. It looks like I will have to stop and clean the radiator about every hour. The temperature gauge is an invaluable tool to keep watch on things.

When I cut grass on my B7100 - the front end sucks in grass like a vacuum cleaner ! Even with the protective screen - I get grass and clippings sucked into the radiator. I am going to experiment with a "shield" that will allow it to suck in fresh air and not grass off the bottom half of the tractor where the flying grass seems to be located and blowing.

200 and 215 is not hot just yet - That is a good temperature to run, now if it is rising ....then something is going on!!! I too will be installing a upper radiator hose thermostat here soon, if I can find some free time.....I am curious what my little machine is running if on the hot side..

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Frankly,
Does your tractor have the Radiator net installed?

If not you need to get one It greatly reduces chaff build up on the radiator, and it's semi self cleaning.

 

[Tooljunkie]

All this talk is getting me worried....
Now i need to install a temp guage and pull my rad and clean it. Havent run mower for very long last year. The whistle works, tested it by blowing in tube.

So this thread is definetly helpful including the advice about the wheelbarrow. Should add a warning about getting soapy water in eyes.

 

[FRANKLY]

No Wolfman, I do not have a radiator net. There are screens on the front grill and on the side engine covers, but the screens are about 1/8" openings and they just keep out big pieces of trash. This chaff is small, almost dust like. I took a picture, but I can't get my phone to download to the computer. I noticed the biggest buildup was outside the fan suction. Evidently the fan does a fair job of keeping the fins clean near the center of the radiator, but not on the bottom corners.