Gauge problems

Clavin48 · Oct 28, 2023

Hi all,
Long time listener first time caller. So I’ve recently upgraded tractors in a sense. I sold my 2011 Kioti ck30 and bought a 1999 New Holland 545d. I needed a bigger machine for snow removal and such and was spending too much time and asking too much of the little Kioti. I did love the machine a would have kept it if I could have afforded to keep both. My current problem is with the gauges. The tach swings back and forth quit a bit which isn’t a big deal cause you get a general feel for where it’s running during use. The temp gauge however seems to come up into the top of the green area very quickly and will stay there at idle no issue but climbs into the red very fast although the machine does not apear to be running hot or acting any different. I’m think about wiring in a generic auto temp gauge if I can to see if it says anything different. Just wondering if anyone has any tips on somewhere else to start? Thermostat maybe? Not sure what the regular operating temp should be to start with. Sorry for the lengthy post. Thanks in advance.

TractorTech · Oct 29, 2023

Welcome to TBN.

The tach has dirt in the gauge between the two discs. If you take it out, you might be able to clean it and settle it down.

Is your radiator and oil cooler clean? The air cleaner swings out on that year and should be able to inspect. The thermostat could also be your problem, but without an accurate reading, you are just guessing that it is too hot.

The temp gauge on these is not real accurate, so you need to take a reading on the thermo housing or top hose with an infrared thermometer to find out if you have a problem or where the problem might be.

Also, if yours is a 4wd, make sure you grease the axle rear pivot and make sure there is plenty of oil in the front axle.

Clavin48 · Oct 29, 2023

TractorTech said:
Welcome to TBN.

The tach has dirt in the gauge between the two discs. If you take it out, you might be able to clean it and settle it down.

Is your radiator and oil cooler clean? The air cleaner swings out on that year and should be able to inspect. The thermostat could also be your problem, but without an accurate reading, you are just guessing that it is too hot.

The temp gauge on these is not real accurate, so you need to take a reading on the thermo housing or top hose with an infrared thermometer to find out if you have a problem or where the problem might be.

Also, if yours is a 4wd, make sure you grease the axle rear pivot and make sure there is plenty of oil in the front axle.

Thanks for the tips I’ll checks those things first then. I just got the thing so I’m still learning how everything works but I’ll get there.