JD X485 losing coolant

Snowman9000 · Dec 30, 2016

My Deere X485 has about 700 hrs on it. Kawasaki twin liquid cooled. Is there any known issue with coolant loss with these engines?

I would say I have to refill the bottle every 2 or 3 hours. So that's quite a bit. I park it indoors on concrete, and once in a while I will think I see a little sign on the floor, but I can never find anything on the motor to give me a clue. A couple of years ago I found that the temperature sensor was weeping through the middle of itself. I bought a new one, and I don't see it leaking now. I do not see coolant in the oil, and the oil level does not increase. The oil always looks good.

I hope it's not a head gasket, but I'll probably have to follow the basic troubleshooting steps to find this loss. But I am wondering if there is a common issue with these? Thanks.

Deere Dude · Dec 30, 2016

I have an X740 that seems like the coolant bottle is always low also. No leaks, but every time I check the radiator it is always full right to the top with antifreeze so it can't be escaping.

I think it is just the design of the beast. Just check the level in the radiator now and then. If that goes low, then worry about it.

KEYBEAR · Dec 30, 2016

Are you seeing anything in the motor oil ? You are loosing a lot of fluid and if no spot on the floor or tractor it is some other place ?

Richard001 · Dec 30, 2016

KEYBEAR said:
Are you seeing anything in the motor oil ? You are loosing a lot of fluid and if no spot on the floor or tractor it is some other place ?

From the OP's original post:

I do not see coolant in the oil, and the oil level does not increase. The oil always looks good.

It could just be that you are over filling the reservoir and it is overflowing while you are using the machine and of course, once the coolant cools down, the system will suck the coolant back into the system.

Richard

al3 · Dec 30, 2016

Inspect the weep hole in the water pump, look for signs of seepage. My water pump seal went south on my 485 with very few hours on it. As I recall, its buried in there behind various hoses...... Good Luck.