Best response to overheated tractor.

[newbomb_turk]

I posted yesterday about my SCUT overheating and was hoping for a response. Did not get any, so let me ask the question differently.

What is the best thing to do _immediately_ to avoid damage as much as possible if you overheat and lose some coolant.

(Obviously, if you lose all coolant it is best to just shut it down.)

However, if you blow the rad cap, and get it back on in time to save most of the coolant, is it better to start it back up idle for awhile? Should you do that as fast as possible? In my case, I made the decision to start it back up and idle. It took about five tries to start it though -- and it ran rough for about 30 seconds. Should I have just let it sit and risk a warped head, burned head gasket or worse? Or did I potentially do more damage by trying to start it back up?

What is the best thing to do?

Todd

 

[Treemonkey1000]

I would think if you are close to a source of water is get it there to keep some water in the system. Sort of depends on what caused the water flow. Also how hot is the motor. If it over heated then some fresh water to bring the temp down rather than a dry block. You run the risk of steam in your face pulling off the cap or pouring water in a super heated dry tank. I am sure there are better answers. Depending on the whole situation.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would restart or keep it running preferably and would check for reason it overheated such as restricted air flow through the radiator. If it is close by while running I would run a little cool water over the radiator to help it along.

Have to ask what you were doing with the tractor when it overheated? Were you mowing when this happened? Sometimes the chaff will block the screens reducing the air flow needed to cool the tractor.

 

[newbomb_turk]

Have to ask what you were doing with the tractor when it overheated? Were you mowing when this happened? Sometimes the chaff will block the screens reducing the air flow needed to cool the tractor.

Exactly what happened. 2305 only has an idiot light. I check it every few minutes when in dry stuff like this. However, this one happened _real_ fast.

Todd

 

[jenkinsph]

I would monitor the oil to see if it gets contaminated or starts to use more. Glad you were able to resolve the problem quickly. I never noticed that the 2305 only has an idiot light. My x749 has a temperature guage on the right side of the dash, but you have to be attentive for it to do any good.:laughing:

 

[PoorPlowboy]

I would think if you are close to a source of water is get it there to keep some water in the system. Sort of depends on what caused the water flow. Also how hot is the motor. If it over heated then some fresh water to bring the temp down rather than a dry block. You run the risk of steam in your face pulling off the cap or pouring water in a super heated dry tank. I am sure there are better answers. Depending on the whole situation.

Pouring cold water into an overheated engine is how to quickly crack and warp critical engine components.

Cooling the radiator with a hose (spray, not drench) will cool it down as fast as safely possible, if the radiator still has coolant in it.

 

[TripleR]

I have lost track of how many times my wife has overheated the JD2305 as it seem to really attract debris and as mentioned there is no heat gauge. We put it at idle, clear the screen and run the leaf blower on the radiator.

I have also used water on the radiator, but it's not always available.