temperature gauge

[firstpass]

Today I worked tractor 2 1/2 hours pushing snow. it was 30-32 degrees out and snowing.
The temp pointer barely came off the peg. Is that normal for a L3000DT.

Did not smell anything getting hot. radiator was warm.

Any explanation except just cold blooded.

Thanks

 

[Bulldog]

My L3000 stays down next to the "C" even in the summer. Been like that since it was new.

 

[85Hokie]

As Bulldog points out - most diesels run on a cool side to begin with, however - they still should get to a point to "cook" off all the bad stuff in the oils, a "hot" running engine is more efficient too (around 200 F).

If you are concerned - take a infrared thermometer and take a couple of readings at points along the cooling path. You should have temps approaching 200 F near top of radiator, and then as the water passes, the bottom of radiator should be around 140 F or so. Some machines just run cooler than others too.

 

[vic gerbasi]

L3300 over 20 yrs old temp needle hardly ever moved im told thats normal

 

[armylifer]

If my temp gauge read anything except normal I would be looking at the thermostat. A cold running engine is almost as bad as a hotter than normal engine running. I would check the manual for what is the normal running temp for your engine and then check to make sure that yours is running at the correct heat range.

 

[Blondie70]

If your gauge is correct, your thermostat sounds like it's bad. I would replace it asap if that is the case.

 

[Bulldog]

I think it's the type gauge they used. If it's really cold mine won't even make it over the "C" and during summer heat it stays next to the "C" unless the radiator needs cleaning.

I'm not looking at his tractor but I'd bet it's normal.

 

[Butch]

That is what mine does... To warm it up in the winter I start it and then place a cloth of some sort over the front grill. Then it only goes a little above the "C". I am careful to keep the screens and radiator clear. I thought about putting a real temp gauge onit... but never did.