Mowing MF 1250 Overheating with finish mower

Anonymous Poster · Jun 13, 2003

I tried the fix Jerry G told me about for my MF 1250 overheating problem. It helped a lot. However, I still need to run with both side cowling off to stay out of the overheat zone. Still seems to me that having the muffler in the engine compartment adds to heat buildup regardless of how good the cooling system is. There is a plug on the top engine cowling for an exhaust pipe. Has anyone tried to run the muffler on the outside of the engine compartment? If so, is there a standard kit available or will I need to have a muffler shop make up something special? Any suggestions welcome.

JerryG · Jun 13, 2003

dlj,
Glad that it helped. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif All of these compacts that I know anything about have to be cleaned pretty often when in dense tall dusty grass. I mow a lot in that kind of grass. I have to stop every little while and clean the radiator. You can use a round duster like is used in the house or just use a big weed /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif if one is handy. BTW check the radiator's water before you use it the next time.

JerryG · Jun 15, 2003

dlj,
I tried to answer your PM, but you have them turned off. I have the information about what pipes and the numbers etc. if you want it.

Anonymous Poster · Jun 15, 2003

Dlj, here are a few suggestions that may solve your problem. Most are easy, but otherones may require the help of a technician. Hopefully it will be the simple fix. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

1st, have you ever checked the antifreeze in the tractor? If there is too much antifreeze and not enough water, you will have overheating problems. pure antifreeze is a very poor heat exchanger. A 50 / 50 mix of water and antifreeze is always best.

2nd, Have you looked into the radiator for mineral or other buildup that could be inhibiting the flow of coolant through the cores? If there is a build up, you may have to have the radiator rodded out or cleaned to solve your problem. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

3rd, Red line products make a product called Water Wetter that prevents the coolant from foaming or bubbling and improves it's heat carrying capability. I have used this in several of my cars and it does work.

4th, check the suction line going from the radiator to the water pump. It should have a spring inside that will not allow it to collapse fully when you squeeze it or when the engine pulls water from the radiator.

5th, and this may be a long shot, but if the injector timing is retarded, the mixture will not burn efficiently in the chamber which will allow some of the combustion process to be released into the muffler. However, this usually results in a very hot muffler and alot of light grey smoke especially when the tractor is cold.

I have a 4225 with the high vis hood. My muffler is under the hood also and I have no overheating problems.

Well I hope one of these suggestions helps your problem and please keep posting to let us know your progress. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Anonymous Poster · Jun 16, 2003

Thanks Jerry G. PM is on now. Sure would like the info.
dlj

JerryG · Jun 16, 2003

dlj,
The PM isn't made to send a picture, or it doesn't appear to be. I sent you a message but it won't let me put a picture with it.

So here it is. If you need anything else feel free to let me know.

lwh · Jun 17, 2003

I've been giving your problem some thought, but no real good ideas. My 1260 has a turbo under the hood along with the muffler and it doesn't overheat under prolonged heavy load. The 1260 is very similar to 1250 except for turbo.
What does your exhaust look like? Black smoke under load? Any smoke when cold and no load? Have you replaced the outer air filter?
Bad thermostats sometimes can cause overheating. Has yours been replaced? Where does temp gauge run normally when warmed up? Is there any chance it's a gauge problem?

Sometimes an overflow bottle setup using a suitable radiator cap can help a mild overheat issue. But it's probably not the right answer here.

Anonymous Poster · Jun 18, 2003

lwh,

Thanks for the reply. I have replaced the thermostat and even taken it completely out. No smoke at all. Temp guage runs in the middle of normal without the finish mower attached. Thanks for the suggestions. dlj

Anonymous Poster · Jun 18, 2003

Jerry,

I did get the picture through the PM. Thanks will check it out with my MF dealer. dlj

lwh · Jun 19, 2003

dlj, diagnosis from afar has its pitfalls. As you no doubt are aware, diesels are sensitive to some things, primarily injection timing and intake air flow. Anything restricting intake air flow increases exhaust temp and coolant temp at full load, so check and double there.
Pardon my further questions, but I don't see it in your previous answers. Does your tractor have a screen in front of the radiator? Does your tractor have a fan shroud behind the radiator? In both cases, mine does. Just trying to understand: what is the same? what is different? what is different or missing that may be causing your problem? My gauge says "TEMP", runs around E or M and gets there within 5 minutes of start up under light load.