My 425 fan failed!!

FOURTEEN · Apr 24, 2005

( What temp is dangerous? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif )

 In this article, Maximum Hydraulic Component Life ,

"Note that fluid temperatures above 82 C (180 F) damage seals, reduce the service life of the hydraulic fluid and in most cases, will cause the viscosity limits of the fluid to be exceeded. This means that the operation of any hydraulic system at temperatures above 82 C (180 F) is detrimental and should be avoided."


/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

pequeajim · Apr 24, 2005

I heard that the 180 does not have a cooling fan. I wonder what temperature the hydraulic fluid runs at in that machine?

jol1269 · Apr 24, 2005

the fan on my 425 blows from engine out and straight up behind me , i bought my 425 in oct of 2003 and i had a fuse blow on my fan and was told by terry to put a lil bit bigger fuse in so i did nad havent had any issue yet , but now wondering if its just a matter of time

toy · Apr 24, 2005

I had a fan problem when I first got my pt425. I checked the fuse and it was blowed so I replaced the fusewith a little larger one. It ran for a while and I noticed it had quit again. I checked the fuse and this time it was ok. I kept checking around and discovered the wire at the fuse was loose . I fixed that and havn't had any problems since.

MossRoad · Apr 25, 2005

The fan blows up, drawing the air out of the engine compartment.

catsco · Apr 27, 2005

I had the same thing happen; didn't call Terry, but just put a larger fuse in.

No problem since then, about 150 hours of operating time.

Mark H.

pequeajim · Apr 27, 2005

Terry sent me a replacement fan and I installed it today. It works fine now.

I am still looking for something to build to cover the fan though. SOmething made of metal.

Gravy · Apr 28, 2005

Pequeajim,

Someday I hope to get around to building a combination fan guard and carrier rack. The plan is to make a sort of a rectangular basket over the whole engine cover. It will be raised up on legs to ensure air space under it, and there will be a divider to keep stuff from sliding back over the fan while working. The rear section will act as a fan guard, and can be used for some limited carrying, keeping in mind the need for airflow.

I've already got some small square tubing and expanded steel for the project. I just need to get some other things done first.

Dave

Charlie_Iliff · Apr 28, 2005

I just need to get some other things done first. 
That's the problem with my to-do list, too. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MikeOConnor · Apr 28, 2005

Speaking of "engine cover" has anybody come up with a widget that would make opening it a little easier? That thing is heavy and some day I'm gonna hurt myself either lifting it up or lowering it.

I'm dreaming of some kind of pneumatic spring shock pusher-upper coaster-downer gizmo like on the tailgate of my SUV.

MossRoad · Apr 28, 2005

You've already got the hydraulics /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Just a tiny hydraulic cylinder and valve and off you go. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MikeOConnor · Apr 28, 2005

Kewl! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Gotta talk to my pal Danny about that one...

Sedgewood · Apr 29, 2005

You've already got the SUV - order up a spare gizmo for PT /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Sedgewood

MossRoad · Apr 29, 2005

Since we were talking about fans and such, when I pulled into my garage last night, I checked the fan. I could hear it running and put my hand over it to check. OK. Then I glanced at the shelf in the garage and saw some 1" wide orange plastic caution tape. Hmm. I ripped off about two feet, slid it around one of the fan guard supports and tied it in half. Turn the key and two orange ribbons now stream up whenever the fan is running. Easy to check at a glance.

J_J · Apr 29, 2005

How about those pressure springs similar to the ones that help lift the hood on a car. They come in different sizes.

Phils · Apr 29, 2005

Hey, MR. Great idea. I guess we'll soon see "powered fan monitoring system" available for sale on your website?
I hope you can price it decently, with less than $15 added for shipping and handling!

Phil

J_J · Apr 29, 2005

That's real easy to do. Install a 12v led in the dash and connect one wire to the terminal on the fan side of the thermal switch. Connect the other lead to ground. When ever the fan is getting power, the led will light.

Cost, about $ 2.50 for led, plus wire.

MossRoad · Apr 29, 2005

DARN! There goes my money maker. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Phils · Apr 29, 2005

"...12v led in the dash ..." 

MR could offer that as an "upgrade kit" to his first "orange tape basic kit".

Myself, since installing the supertrap muffler, I can hear when the fan turns on /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif and it's not difficult to reach my had back to monitor the air temp coming out of the fan. An earlier post has caused me to dig out my infrared thermometer that I bought for diagnosing some cooling problems on my pickup. I'm curious how hot the hydraulic oil tank is getting on days that I do a lot of mowing or stump grinding... by hand, it feels hot. I'm gonna find out just "how hot". I don't for a minute think it's getting TOO hot, but want to start keeping notes on "normal" temps so that I can have benchmarks for comparison if something does seem to be overheating.

Phil