Can a B7100 run too cold?

[Travelover]

The B7100 does not have a thermostat or a water pump. My question is whether the lack of a thermostat allows the engine to run too cold in the winter, or does the thermosyphon circulation of the coolant slow down enough to compensate for the cold ambient temperatures?

Anyone have a B7100 with a temperature gauge installed that can comment?

Thanks.

 

[charlz]

Interesting question. My b7100 always seems to warm up nicely in the winter after a bit of plowing etc. I have only run it down into the 20's F though. No temp gage although I would like to add one.

Since thermosiphon works on temperature diferential I think the process would actually be faster in the cold, not slower.

 

[Egon]

Can't really answer the question but mine has run without trouble at -35C. It did need to be plugged in to start though and the hydraulics needed a little gentle touch to get operational once the hydrostatic warmed up.

 

[Jimbrown]

As there is no pump and circulation takes place only if and when the coolant in the engine is hot it actually probably warms up faster than one with a pump and thermostat.

 

[Travelover]

I agree with everyone so far, but my question is whether or not the stabilized operating temperature is as warm as it should be so to operate efficiently.

I guess I can answer my own question by installing a temperature gauge - but hoped someone had beat me to it.

 

[Travelover]

I installed a temperature gauge on my B7100 by cutting a couple of inches out of the middle of the upper radiator hose and inserting a piece of heavy walled copper pipe. This pipe has a brass fitting threaded and soldered into it for the temperature sensor to screw into.

Normal running temperature is around 200 degrees F in the summer. We'll see what it is when the snow flies. If she runs too cool, I'll just block the radiator a little.

 

[grossgary]

If she runs too cool, I'll just block the radiator a little.

or wait longer to clean the debris out!?!??

 

[Travelover]

OK, I know everyone has been on pins and needles for an answer to this.

Today I was working my B7100 hard in 21 degree F ambient, pushing heavy wet snow. Water temperature stayed at about 210 to 220 degrees F.

So it looks like even with no thermostat and no water pump, it stays at an optimal operating temperature. Now what should I worry about?

 

[Elsie71]

Running too cold has never been a problem with the B7100, especially the HST version. My problem has always been to keep it from getting too hot. Even in very cold, near zero weather, I have had it overheat if the radiator is not clear. I finally learned to take the radiator completely off about one a year and wash it out good. You can't clean the edges and corners sufficiently with the radiator on the tractor.