normal coolant temperature?

varmint · May 7, 2003

Having just installed a set of gauges (oil press., coolant temp. and voltmeter) I tried to find out what is considered normal coolant temp. for my Kubota B8200- ie., what the thermostat operates at, for want of a better spec. Can't find it anywhere in the Kubota manuals or PDF parts file I have. If anyone knows, I'm probably not the only one who'd appreciate finding out. Seems to run at 180, which doesn't worry me, but is that on the cool side for a diesel? Thanks.

Darren · May 7, 2003

I think you just answered your own question as to what's normal for that machine. Since emissions doesn't play any part, Kubota doesn't need to run a high coolant temp.

FWIW, diesel engined vehicles which use the engine coolant for running a heater seldom put out enough heat. Years ago I added a turbo to a diesel and saw the coolant temp drop. I would never have expected that. The truck was miserable to drive in the winter. Never could get enough heat and adding the turbo made it worse. Lots of power though.

sandyc · May 7, 2003

I am running a 22hp with a cab heater( that adds to the heat transfer) and I seldom see the heat gauge get a bit above the cold mark. Everything works well and I have plenty of power for FEL, Lawn mowing and snow removal.

hwp · May 7, 2003

The temperature gauge on my F2400 has a mark at about the 1/4 point and once the engine warms up, that is where the needle sits, summer or winter, and regardless of whether my cab heater is turned on or not. 180 degrees F sounds about right to me.

Youare · May 7, 2003

I thought the temp. gauge did not work when I got my L3000DT, it moves up just off the cold bottom mark. However in the heat of the summer when going up a long hill on the way to the woodlot the temp gauge moves about a needles width higher.

I aways wondered what the operating temp. was 180 sounds reasonable.

Randy

soarkrebel · May 8, 2003

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I thought the temp. gauge did not work when I got my L3000DT, it moves up just off the cold bottom mark. However in the heat of the summer when going up a long hill on the way to the woodlot the temp gauge moves about a needles width higher.

I aways wondered what the operating temp. was 180 sounds reasonable.)</font>

yep i use mine to tell me when it's time to clean the screen. if the temp gauge is going up then i know the screen is getting dirty. it stays just above cold when all is well.

BHaebe · May 8, 2003

Varmint, got any pics of your guage installation? I just bought an oil pressure and water temp guage for my B8200. Have not yet decided where they will fit though.
Any ideas?

Bruce

varmint · May 8, 2003

I must confess that I was pleased with how the installation turned out- being "retired" I have entirely too much time to play with these things (much to my wife's consternation, who has better things for me to be doing) and I spent a fair amount of time crafting an aluminum sheetmetal "console" to go just under the regular dash panel. Painted it to match the dark gray tractor frame. Seems to work fine, out of the way, angled okay for visibility, and out of the weather, mostly. Doing the wiring for the lighting and voltmeter was as much trouble as the mechanical hookups. Which are US standard pipe thread, by the way, which is nice and simple. I will try to post a picture or two this weekend. Have fun.

BHaebe · May 8, 2003

I will be interested to see your pics of the guage panel.
That is one of my next projects. I see you were adding PS to your 8200. How did that go. I have the factory PS and loader if you ever have ? or want pics.

Bruce

varmint · May 27, 2003

Bruce: I just noticed you had wanted pics of my power steering installation- and I can't remember if I ever posted any?! Scary, but what can you do? Here are the two pics that show the main components. The only hard part was chopping and reinforceing the Bush Hog loader mount. It was in the way, big time.