Running HOT

[aaluck]

Over the summer I noticed the tractor (L4400) was at the very top of the white "safe range". However, we were bush hogging a large lot and it was 90+ outside. Every time we did the bush hogging it would stay just a sliver below the red block. On Saturday I was spraying at around 2000 RPMs for about 45 minutes. I know this is a small load on the PTO and about 75 outside. It never dawned on me to check the temp with such a small load. However, when I finished I glanced the the gauges and the temp was in the red block.

FYI I noticed a small "belt squeak" when running low RPMs. I goes away once you get to over 2000. The radiator is clean/free of any debris and there is a proper amount of coolant in the reservoir.

Any ideas on the issue? How to trouble shoot the problem? Things I am missing?

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

Over the summer I noticed the tractor (L4400) was at the very top of the white "safe range". However, we were bush hogging a large lot and it was 90+ outside. Every time we did the bush hogging it would stay just a sliver below the red block. On Saturday I was spraying at around 2000 RPMs for about 45 minutes. I know this is a small load on the PTO and about 75 outside. It never dawned on me to check the temp with such a small load. However, when I finished I glanced the the gauges and the temp was in the red block.

FYI I noticed a small "belt squeak" when running low RPMs. I goes away once you get to over 2000. The radiator is clean/free of any debris and there is a proper amount of coolant in the reservoir.

Any ideas on the issue? How to trouble shoot the problem? Things I am missing?

you could start with the standard "6":

1. Clean the Radiator & Screens, can you see a light through the entire surface if you shine it from behind?
2. Check Coolant Level & Hoses, can you see any colapsed hoses that could be blocking flow? is your over flow full?
3. Inspect the Fan Belt for proper tensions, cracks, glazing, etc, and replace if warrented.
4. Test the Thermostat to make sure its not stuck, rusted, corroded. Replace if necessary
5. is the Air Filter clean and Engine Oil clean and in the right range?
6. Check for Combustion Leaks by seeing if there be bubbles in the radiator

usually its one of these 6. If not we start looking into the pump / flow issues.

 

[dirtydeed]

you could start with the standard "6":

1. Clean the Radiator & Screens, can you see a light through the entire surface if you shine it from behind?
2. Check Coolant Level & Hoses, can you see any colapsed hoses that could be blocking flow? is your over flow full?
3. Inspect the Fan Belt for proper tensions, cracks, glazing, etc, and replace if warrented.
4. Test the Thermostat to make sure its not stuck, rusted, corroded. Replace if necessary
5. is the Air Filter clean and Engine Oil clean and in the right range?
6. Check for Combustion Leaks by seeing if there be bubbles in the radiator

usually its one of these 6. If not we start looking into the pump / flow issues.

+1. I'm betting on plugged/restricted air filter. After that, check temp with IR thermometer at thermostat housing/temp sender.

 

[Botamon]

When bush hogging with my M7060 I have to blow out the radiator and screen daily; I can see the temperature gauge raise up past normal as I'm working after several hours.

 

[D2Cat]

To really clean the outside of a radiator you need to spray something like Purple Power on the fins (both sides), let is soak for 10 minutes or so, then was it off with low pressure water. Looking at a radiator it can appear clean, but over time dust attaches and builds up.

 

[#40Fan]

Check the radiator, not just the reservoir, to ensure coolant level is full.

 

[JasonW]

All to the above but also check the fan belt tension.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

All to the above but also check the fan belt tension.

Or better yet just replace the belt!

 

[aaluck]

Thanks for all the info. I will do this on Saturday and see if I can figure it out.

 

[Mak65]

I’ll bet someone’s farm, not mine, that the radiator fins are not as clean as they appear. Like D2CAT mentioned, spray both sides with, he mentioned Purple Power, I use Simple Green, and let it sit 10 minutes or so. Rinse with low pressure water from the back side first. Rinse the front and finish with a complete flush of the fins from the back, again.

 

[nbryan]

you could start with the standard "6":

1. Clean the Radiator & Screens, can you see a light through the entire surface if you shine it from behind?
2. Check Coolant Level & Hoses, can you see any colapsed hoses that could be blocking flow? is your over flow full?
3. Inspect the Fan Belt for proper tensions, cracks, glazing, etc, and replace if warrented.
4. Test the Thermostat to make sure its not stuck, rusted, corroded. Replace if necessary
5. is the Air Filter clean and Engine Oil clean and in the right range?
6. Check for Combustion Leaks by seeing if there be bubbles in the radiator

usually its one of these 6. If not we start looking into the pump / flow issues.

I'll add tighten all hose clamps to that list.

 

[Russell King]

If there is a screen in front of the radiator (usually there is) make sure it isn’t clogged and not letting air through. Also clean any other “coolers” that are in front of the radiator to make sure air is getting to the radiator.