Ford 4000 3cyl water temp

[73FORD 4000]

I just purchased a ford 4000, the temp gauge says its running hot. The radiator was leaking so I put a new oem radiator on. I replaced the thermostat and hoses. Temp gauge still says it's running hot, I bucket tested the radiator looking for a headgasket leak, no bubbles. I put a temp ga in the radiator while running, it read 165 degrees. I ordered a new sending unit for temp, any suggestions?

 

[jinman]

Sounds like you are on the right track. 165 degrees F radiator temperature is very good. If the sending unit does not show the correct temperature, you might suspect the actual meter on the instrument panel.

Of course, the ideal measurement of temperature would be to purchase a non-contact IR thermometer like this one from Harbor Freight and aim it just below your thermostat to see exactly how hot the water is coming out of the engine. However, if you are not getting boil-overs and your radiator only read 165, I wouldn't be terribly concerned.

 

[73FORD 4000]

thanks Jinman, if it's not the sending unit, is the meter easly replaced or do you replace the whole panel?

 

[jinman]

Is your inst pnl like the one below? If so, the gage is replaceable for around $75. You DON'T want to know what the whole panel would cost.:confused2:

 

[73FORD 4000]

Yes, thats it. I replaced the sending unit and tighten the fan belt. While I was waiting for the tractor to come up to temp, I noticed water dripping from the water pump. Maybe, that's been the problem. I've got to replace it first. Are after parts ok or should I stay with oem?

 

[jinman]

I would think aftermarket 3rd party parts would be fine on a tractor that old. If it weren't for some of these aftermarket producers, many well-running old Fords would be unused and rusting away.

 

[Hoosier Hay Man]

I logged alot of hours on a 73' Ford 4000SU when I was much younger. It is a great tractor and almost bullet proof.:thumbsup:

 

[73FORD 4000]

What I've done,

Thermostat
Hoses
Radiator
Water pump
sending unit
I checked the block while engine running, with infared thermometer it reads 160 degrees. I thinking temp gauge now or could it be the voltage going in?

 

[banjodunn]

G'day IIRC those dashes have got a voltage regulator in them and the gauges actually work on about 6 volt but if they play up then usually your temp and fuel gauge go haywire


Jon

 

[HakanTh]

Some info about the voltage regulator/stabilizer: http://home.mindspring.com/~purlawson/files/SmithsVoltageStabilizer.pdf