JD X485 Overheats fast when mowing

[se0607]

My X485 started overheating about 60 seconds after engaging the 54" mower. Here's what I have tried so far:

• I took off the side panels and the inner screen and cleaned the little that was in them. Then I blew out as many of the radiator fins I could, then switch to spraying the fins with the hose to get what looked like mud bee nests starting in between some fins.
• I took the deck off and hosed out the top side under all the pulleys after removing the top shields.
• I flipped the deck over and took off the old blades and cleaned the underside thoroughly.
• I put on brand new blades.
• I greased the deck and mounted it back under the machine.

Results: Temp gauge is fine at full throttle just cruising along, but if I engage the mower, the temp goes up to red in about 30 seconds even if not actually cutting grass.

What to try next?

 

[jeff9366]

Check your engine oil level. If low, the remainder will be very hot.

Check your tire inflation.

Is the parking brake released?

 

[dirttoys]

While you were working on the deck did it spin fairly easily by hand?

With the mower off and the pto engaged does it overheat?

Those are mostly for curiosity, if you put a load on it that doesn't bog it/kill it it shouldn't overheat in a minute or two.

Pull the radiator cap and make sure you have fluid moving around when the t-stat is open. Make sure the fan belt is not slipping. Standard overheat troubleshooting.

Best,

ed

 

[oldnslo]

Are you sure the engine is actually over heating or is the gauge just saying it is over heating? I.e. is this an electric problem when deck is engaged?

 

[se0607]

Check your engine oil level. If low, the remainder will be very hot.

Check your tire inflation.

Is the parking brake released?

Check your engine oil level. If low, the remainder will be very hot.

Check your tire inflation.

Is the parking brake released?

Oil and coolant levels fine. If course the brake is off

 

[se0607]

Are you sure the engine is actually over heating or is the gauge just saying it is over heating? I.e. is this an electric problem when deck is engaged?

Not sure if it's actually overheating. I need to get a temperature gun and check that, but as soon as I disengage the mower, the gauge drops quickly back to normal.

 

[se0607]

While you were working on the deck did it spin fairly easily by hand?

With the mower off and the pto engaged does it overheat?

Those are mostly for curiosity, if you put a load on it that doesn't bog it/kill it it shouldn't overheat in a minute or two.

Pull the radiator cap and make sure you have fluid moving around when the t-stat is open. Make sure the fan belt is not slipping. Standard overheat troubleshooting.

Best,

ed

I will do what you suggest and report back. Thanks!

 

[dirttoys]

Not sure if it's actually overheating. I need to get a temperature gun and check that, but as soon as I disengage the mower, the gauge drops quickly back to normal.

Hey, if this is the case, oldnslo is on the spot. Overheated engines rarely cool quickly. Confirm real or false overheat, then chase the electrical side if it is not a real overheat.

Best,

ed

 

[Liquidsilver]

I hope you're onto it... but don't shrug off the parking brake... mine was getting hot mowing (unusual) and I couldn't figure out why. I looked down and I was mowing with the parking brake on, and as the brakes got hotter, they dragged harder. There's no warning light for my parking brake, but I wanted to kick myself. LOL

 

[beenthere]

I hope you're onto it... but don't shrug off the parking brake... mine was getting hot mowing (unusual) and I couldn't figure out why. I looked down and I was mowing with the parking brake on, and as the brakes got hotter, they dragged harder. There's no warning light for my parking brake, but I wanted to kick myself. LOL

Was that the JD X485?