LB1914 overheating

[john druckrey]

While running the bush hog the temp slowly (about 20 min) rises into the red. I have replaced the radiator cap and it has helped somewhat but still goes to red. Even when the needle is in the red there is no fluid leaking through the overflow. I'm beginning to suspect either the sending unit or the tempeture gauge. Anyone know how to test these? Any other thoughts?

Thanks

 

[carpenter383]

Get a cheap mechanical temp guage from the local auto parts store and hook it up see if it corresponds to the one you have.

 

[john druckrey]

Problem is my gauge has no numerical values; only colors. I have no idea what temps I need to verify. Anyone?

 

[carpenter383]

Problem is my gauge has no numerical values; only colors. I have no idea what temps I need to verify. Anyone?

Well the main thing is that the coolant dosen't boil. This creates air pockets, air pockets don't transfer heat like the coolant does. Plain water boils at 212 degrees. Antifreeze raises the boiling point and so does a pressurized system Make sure your radiator cap is good and you have the correct mixtue of antifreeze. I'd say a safe temp would be around 220 degrees or less but that's just a guess

 

[JoelD]

either get or borrow a temp gun and shoot the motor or radiator and see what temp you are running at, if in fact hot or the guage.

I would not be quick to assume the sending unit, if it is not, your in trouble.

Why not just replace the sending unit? Can't be that much money I would'nt think, that maybe a the safest first step.

Joel

 

[MichiganIron]

Take a real good lool at your radiator. If it's been a while since you cleaned it, inside and out, this might be a good time. The coolant needs good heat tranfer when you work the engine. Getting warm while working the tractor could be a sign that the radiator needs some luv.

 

[rfmr]

MichiganIron's response may sound too simple or obvious but the only time I've had that happen it was because the front of the radiator was clogged with debris from the junk blowing around while brush hogging the fields. The screen in front of the radiator traps everything and blocks the airflow. Having the FEL on while brush hogging, like I do, makes getting behind that screen a PITA.

Hope your problem / fix is as simple as mine was.