L2800 Overheating

[threeoaks]

While using my L2800 today I noticed the temp gauge get extremely hot and then coolant was coming out of overflow reservoir hose.

Open the hood and cleaned out the radiator with shop air.

Tightened the fan belt as it had a little slack in it.

Made sure radiator fluid was topped off.

Then ran the tractor again and it started heating up again so I stopped.

About a year ago I had an over-temp issue. At that time I replaced the fan belt and thermostat so those items are only a year old now.

What should my next troubleshooting steps be?

Could it now be a bad water pump?

Tractor has 450hrs on it.

 

[Roadworthy]

Check fan belt for proper tension and evidence of slipping. It is also possible your thermostat is stuck closed.

 

[200mph]

Loosen fan belt and verify the water pump rotates with little effort.

Remember to tension the belt afterwards.

Verify the radiator screen and radiator are both clean.

Maybe the radiator cap is relieve at too low of a pressure.

 

[threeoaks]

What is considered proper tension for the fan belt?

 

[Roadworthy]

The manual should give the tension but it is usually set to allow about a half inch of deflection if the belt is pushed laterally when the engine is not running. You can remove the thermostat and check it by placing it in a pot of water and bringing it to a boil. It should open about 180 degrees.