Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge 4540/4550

[WorkingToLearn]

I bought a 4550 w/ 400 hours recently. After a couple of uses I noticed that the engine temp gauge is dead. There's no local Mahindra dealer. The nearby Kubota shop suggested I look for a loose wire at the sensor(s) that extend above the radiator. Any sensors do not appear to be above the radiator on this tractor. Didn't find anything in the manual. Can anyone suggest where I could start with this problem before I call for service? Thank you.

 

[RNeumann]

Coolant sensors are somewhat generic. They typically screw into the cylinder head and have 1-2 wires. A lot of times they are brass in color.

The sensor gauge style typically sweeps a range of resistance and the idiot light style typically is a switch to ground.

 

[gardner175]

I don't know if it is the same problem but several of us had one that would not move off the low end. My fix was discussed in response #20. Hope this helps.
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...ing/350490-my-new-4550-temperature-gauge.html

 

[WorkingToLearn]

Thanks RNeumann, I'll check for a loose sensor on the cylinder head.

 

[WorkingToLearn]

Thanks gardner175. I'll read this thread after work today.

 

[WorkingToLearn]

Thanks again, very informative thread. Seems like there are at least 2 or 3 take-aways.
Since I'm very new to tractors, I'll discuss with the mechanic I like and see what he thinks.

 

[swampy6]

I have the 4540 and the local Mahindra dealer put in an inline restrictor in the rubber hose coming out of the radiator so it would raise the temp, it worked perfect.

Our 4540 wouldn't even touch the green before the restrictor was put in.

 

[Jabonee]

you may want to call your dealer and have them check to see if there is a ECU reflash for your tractor. Have them check to see if TIB 16.008 has been done to you tractor. Reflash corrected a lot of issues.

 

[WorkingToLearn]

I have the 4540 and the local Mahindra dealer put in an inline restrictor in the rubber hose coming out of the radiator so it would raise the temp, it worked perfect.

Our 4540 wouldn't even touch the green before the restrictor was put in.

Just trying to understand, do I want to raise the engine temp just to be able to confirm that the temperature gauge is working? Or does the tractor tend to run with a temp that is too low and raising it is good for the tractor?

 

[RNeumann]

Just trying to understand, do I want to raise the engine temp just to be able to confirm that the temperature gauge is working? Or does the tractor tend to run with a temp that is too low and raising it is good for the tractor?

I seem to remember other threads about Mahindra models that ran cool. All emissions engines have a temp range they were designed to run in. If they aren’t getting warm they aren’t running as they should. They make digital IR thermometers. Last time I looked they were under $20 on Amazon. They look like a little pistol and can tell you the surface temp of an object. I’m guessing the engine should be in the 180-220° range when at normal temp. Check the top of the radiator and the thermostat housing to see what it is running at.

On my Mahindra I have to cover the grill in the winter or it won’t come up to temp.

 

[swampy6]

Just trying to understand, do I want to raise the engine temp just to be able to confirm that the temperature gauge is working? Or does the tractor tend to run with a temp that is too low and raising it is good for the tractor?

You want the temp running in the green, from what I was told a cool running diesel isn't good. One of the members posted about some Mahindra models running cool, he's correct on the 4540 without the restrictor.

 

[swampy6]

Here's where our gauge on the 4540 usually runs at.

 

[WorkingToLearn]

This is a wealth of information, much appreciated.

I talked to a mechanic at the Kubota / New Holland dealer where I bought the Mahindra. He explained that he can't do the ECU flash. I was hoping he might be interested in learning something new with the inline restrictor but I imagine there is enough new to keep him busy with the tractors his shop supports. I don't seem to have an actual Mahindra dealer in my area. Can anyone suggest a dealer where the service dept has worked with the restrictor kits that i could call and see if I could get one and try to find a mechanic here who could install it?

 

[gardner175]

Louis Gelder & Sons Co. 269-934-9900 is the general number.

 

[WorkingToLearn]

I wonder if there would be any connection to engine temperature running too low (or too high) and how well the emissions control system works and exhaust fumes?

 

[Jabonee]

Can you post the sn# of the tractor? I'll check if the reflash has been done

 

[Sgt Maj]

I had the same issue with my 4550. I got the reflash which did not fix it. However, I learned about the restrictor issue from folks here and was able to correct the problem: there is a small diameter hose coming from the top of the radiator to the exhaust cooling system, it is very easy to access. The hose allows a small amount of coolant to by-pass the thermostat. On the hose is a fitting or restrictor that in some cases lets too much coolant through. You can test this by pinching off the hose with a fuel line clamp or vise grips with engine running. If your temperature gauge goes up after 15 minutes or so, then you probably need the new restrictor fitting that Mahindra made available. The Mahindra Part Number for the replacement restrictor hose fitting having a smaller inside diameter is 006029544D.

 

[Sgt Maj]

I should also add that the fitting installs easily with two hose clamps, so you should be able do it yourself without needing a mechanic.

 

[WorkingToLearn]

Can you post the sn# of the tractor? I'll check if the reflash has been done

That would be great. Thought I had a photo of the SN on my phone. I'll get it when I see the tractor tomorrow.

 

[WorkingToLearn]

I had the same issue with my 4550. I got the reflash which did not fix it. However, I learned about the restrictor issue from folks here and was able to correct the problem: there is a small diameter hose coming from the top of the radiator to the exhaust cooling system, it is very easy to access. The hose allows a small amount of coolant to by-pass the thermostat. On the hose is a fitting or restrictor that in some cases lets too much coolant through. You can test this by pinching off the hose with a fuel line clamp or vise grips with engine running. If your temperature gauge goes up after 15 minutes or so, then you probably need the new restrictor fitting that Mahindra made available. The Mahindra Part Number for the replacement restrictor hose fitting having a smaller inside diameter is 006029544D.

Do you think I would also need a new "hose pipe radiator inlet-EPDM" , or the existing should be fine?