CK30 engine temp. question

[VictorW]

I'm new to diesel engines and I'm not sure if this is correct or not. I was plowing snow when it was 18'F. I started the tractor, let it warm up for about 5 minutes and went to work moving snow. Running the tractor around 2200-2400 rpm, the engine warmed up fully by the gauge indicator mark for normal operating temp. I had to let it idle for about 10 minutes and set it at around 1200-1300 rpm. When I went back to plow, the engine temp dropped and the gauge read halfway between the cold and normal. Back to plowing with the rpms higher and the temp went back to normal. When the weather has been warmer, the tractor always stayed at normal temp during an idle.

Is this normal for the temp to drop with low rpms/idle when it's fairly cold or is the thermostat not closing enough?

Thanks for the help. Diesel engine newbee, Vic

 

[IslandTractor]

Sounds normal to me. Radiators are sized for summer loads etc so if the ambient air temperature is low and the engine is loafing along you'd expect the coolant temp to drop. If it doesn't reach normal temps while working you could put a partial shield in front of the radiator but that does not seem to be the issue.

 

[KiotiDave]

Hi,
Diesels do not run hot unless they are under a load. The only time you would normally see a diesel run hot is if there is a problem with the cooling system. Even at this time of year you are OK once the temp has come up and the hyd oil is being circulated it shouldn't get cool enough to cause you hydraulics to slow. As soon as you start using it again the temp wil come right back up to normal.
The fact that you are seeing these temp changes idicates that your cooling system is working fine. Don't give it a second thought.
Kiotidave

 

[Highbeam]

Even with the thermostat closed, the coolant is circulating at full blast and the surface area of the 3 cylinder is high enough that the constant air blowing across it from the locked engine fan will cool it off. Diesels are also internally air cooled in that there is no throttle plate so every time the piston takes a gulp of air it is a full gulp of cold air. Then you have to realize that diesels only inject as much fuel as is needed to maintain the rpms you set with your lever. So while sitting there idling, only a tiny amount of fuel is being burnt to overcome friction and keep things warm. Open the hood and stick your face down there right behind the engine fan to feel the cooling effect.

Yep, normal.

 

[VictorW]

Thanks to all for the information. I like to take good care of my toys and didn't want to hurt it if something was wrong. This tractor almost makes snowplowing fun compared to using the Ford 8N for the past ten years.

Thanks again, and Happy Holidays

 

[rback33]

I ran into a similar thing on my powerstroke the other day.... was snowing and aboout 10 degress outside when I stopped back by a church to visit with some people after the death of a family friend. Since I wasn't going to be there more than 10 or 15 minutes I left it running to keep the winshield clear. Hopped back in to leave and the gauge was almost bottomed out. That's when I REALLY knew it was cold.... Happy tractoring /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif