Hot Stuff !!

[Uncle Levi]

My JD 2020 overheats after about 20 minutes running. I've replaced the water pump, radiator and thermostat and the fan belt is tight. Could the problem be the water jacket needing flushed out ? I'd really appreciate any advice. Mike

 

[EddieWalker]

Try running it without the thermostat.

Remove the radiator cap and make sure the water is moving through the hoses.

Is the gauge accurate?

Eddie

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have never heard of the engine ports getting stopped up, but I suppose it is possible if one fills the radiator with muddy water like the Japanese rice farmers do. Nothing saying that the new thermostat is not faulty. I would follow Eddie's advice and remove it for testing. You should be able to see the water flowing into the radiator by viewing from the removed cap. If it is flowing thru which it should be as all is new, then I would suspect a faulty gauge if the thermostat is working properly.
There is nothing else left that would make it run hot with all new cooling system.

 

[Uncle Levi]

Thanks Gary and Eddie. It MAY be a bad thermostat I guess. I think the gauge is right, because when I shut it off it DEFINATELY is HOT ! If you think of anything else, please let me know. I'm out of ideas. I'll take out the thermostat and see what I get.

 

[EddieWalker]

How positive are you that the thermostat is facing the right direction?

Eddie

 

[Uncle Levi]

How positive are you that the thermostat is facing the right direction?

Eddie

I wondered about that too, Eddie. I took it (the thermostat) out this afternoon, so when I mow with it this weekend I should know. The answer to your question is: not sure.

 

[Zebrafive]

When my 2030 started running hotter than normal (normal is temp needle just right of straight up) I used compressed air to blow the dirt from the radiator fins. That fixed mine.