intenational 444 overheating problem

   / intenational 444 overheating problem #1  

mcarr444

New member
Joined
Apr 22, 2015
Messages
6
Location
cumbria
Tractor
ih 444
I haven't long owned my international 444. I recently bought a topper to top my field. I was running for about 15/20minutes on Tuesday before my core plug blew out. I put the core plug back in with engine sealer and tried topping the field again today. But again I was running for 15/20minutes and noticed water/steam coming out of the radiator cap. So I stopped the tractor as I did not want to do any further damage. I've flushed the radiator out with a hose. The radiator seems to be clear. Any advice on what my problem could be? Thanks in advance
 
   / intenational 444 overheating problem #2  
I had the same symtoms and it turned out to be one of the cylinder liners moved up a bit and caused my problems that were similar to what you are describing. Hope that your problem is less than that, but just trying to give you one possible cause.
 
   / intenational 444 overheating problem #3  
What is a topper? and what is topping a field?

Use compressed air to clear the radiator. Water just dont do a good job. And make sure the coolant level is okay and you have proper mix of antifreeze/water.

Also, make sure the fan is turning and the belt is in good condition
 
   / intenational 444 overheating problem #4  
Could be wrong but I'm thinking a topper in this case is a field mower maybe even a bush hog.

Not sure what a core plug is though.
 
   / intenational 444 overheating problem #5  
Could be wrong but I'm thinking a topper in this case is a field mower maybe even a bush hog.

Not sure what a core plug is though.

IF it is indeed a mower or bushhog, those certainly put a load on an engine. The core plug is another name for what some call freeze plugs
 
   / intenational 444 overheating problem
  • Thread Starter
#6  
IF it is indeed a mower or bushhog, those certainly put a load on an engine. The core plug is another name for what some call freeze plugs

Yes a topper is a grass mower. The tractor only seems to be overheating when I'm running high revs to drive the topper. It seems fine when a bit less is being asked of it. i.e pulling the trailer. But as I bought the tractor to top my field I could do with getting to the bottom of the overheating I'm experiencing when running the topper. Thanks for the replys
 
   / intenational 444 overheating problem #7  
Water pump not up to snuff? Head passages restricted with boiler scale? Flush again with citric acid radiator/cooling system product (Prestone Super Flush), follow the directions with product. Evans NPG+ is a coolant that resists boiling much better, but $ and a bit of trouble to install and can be inconvenient if you need to top-up because it needs to be topped-up with more pure Evans.

IH 424 was my second tractor years ago. I always wondered what the number system for IH is; i.e., what is the feature difference between 424 and 444????

prs
 
   / intenational 444 overheating problem
  • Thread Starter
#8  
Cheers for the advice guys, I bought a thermostat to try that as it seemed the one that was already there was not working, to find that some tattle had taken it out!!! So it seems to me that someone has tried to cover up a bigger problem. I'm guessing its a head problem with the removal of the thermostat. Any thoughts on the reasoning behind removing the thermostat by the previous owner?????? Also anyone recommend any places in the uk where I can buy parts for my 444????? Thanks in advance
 
   / intenational 444 overheating problem #9  
Lots of people feel that there is no need for running a thermostat in a tractor and remove them. I don't necessarily agree, but it's a commonly held belief. Use compressed air and really make sure you blow the radiator fins clear (from both directions). It doesn't take all that much to plug up the passages, and sometimes they're blocked too far in to see without really getting close and using a light from the far side. Once some/all of the fins are plugged you'll get overheating pretty easily.
 
   / intenational 444 overheating problem
  • Thread Starter
#10  
You say lots of people remove the thermostats, what is the thinking behind removing the thermostat?? I will try the compressed air too see if that helps thanks
Lots of people feel that there is no need for running a thermostat in a tractor and remove them. I don't necessarily agree, but it's a commonly held belief. Use compressed air and really make sure you blow the radiator fins clear (from both directions). It doesn't take all that much to plug up the passages, and sometimes they're blocked too far in to see without really getting close and using a light from the far side. Once some/all of the fins are plugged you'll get overheating pretty easily.
 

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