B2150 Operating Temperature

[rockyridgefarm]

Started mowing with a new to us B2150. It came from a well respected equipment dealer and seems to have been well cared for.

The issue is that is seems to run pretty hot, and it isn't summer yet. The temp gauge is at about 75%.

Is it normal to run so hot for this machine? Any suggestions?

Oil looks fresh
Coolant level and quality is good.
Mowing with its 72" belly mower in 4WD. Good grass (not weeds) is about 1 foot tall, not going terribly fast.

 

[RBA50]

There probably is a screen in front of the radiator to catch loose debris that would otherwise end up in the radiator fins. Check to see if it is covered with debris. Check the grille too. Also check the radiator itself for plugged fins. Then be sure to check the coolant level, IN THE RADIATOR, not the coolant tank. (Check when cold, do not open the cap on a hot radiator).
If none of that helps, there may be a problem with water pump, or a blockage some where in the system.
The only time I have seen elevated temps on my B2320 was when the screen got plugged with fine clippings. As soon as I cleared it the temps dropped again.
YMMV

 

[rockyridgefarm]

There probably is a screen in front of the radiator to catch loose debris that would otherwise end up in the radiator fins. Check to see if it is covered with debris. Check the grille too. Also check the radiator itself for plugged fins. Then be sure to check the coolant level, IN THE RADIATOR, not the coolant tank. (Check when cold, do not open the cap on a hot radiator).
If none of that helps, there may be a problem with water pump, or a blockage some where in the system.
The only time I have seen elevated temps on my B2320 was when the screen got plugged with fine clippings. As soon as I cleared it the temps dropped again.
YMMV

Thanks. All of the first paragraph items already look good.

I am going to look at the thermostat and pump next.

 

[Ford850]

High lift blades will stress a mower in high grass, and 1' tall thick grass is a lot to digest. Check to see if your blades are high lift. I'd also flush the fins, front to back and back to front, with mild soapy water followed by medium spray to clear dust and dirt builtup hidden between.

 

[JWR]

Thanks. All of the first paragraph items already look good.

I am going to look at the thermostat and pump next.

I have 2 of the B2150's and a BX2200. Rockyridge is right about checking the screen at the radiator. I blow mine out with compressed air. I have NOT had either of the B2150s run hot though they do run in the upper half of the temp gage. Most of that is running a 4' bush hog on one and a 5' hog on the other, mostly mowing heavy grass, etc. The BX2200 is a different story. That thing runs on the hot side forever. There are numerous posts about this issue both in the Orange forum and here on TBN. It is not thermostat and it is not a faulty water pump. In warm weather with a 60" belly mower you push it much and it will run close (but not into) the red. My opinion is that with the BX series they have too small a water pump, just not moving as much water as it should. The radiators are all PLENTY big and so is the fan (as it is with the B2150s). One of my B2150's is older and had a rough life while the other is beautifully pristine and well cared for. They seem identical for cooling.

I'd do as suggested, blow out everything you can including the radiator with compressed air, flush the cooling system using some Prestone cleaner or equivalent for a second flush, and go from there.

 

[LouNY]

An easy check of the radiator depending on the number of other coolers stacked in front of it is to shine a light behind the radiator and look for the light in front of it.
You may be surprised at the number of areas a "clean" looking radiator will not show the light which also means no air flow.