radiator filling

[JMarchant]

Silly question but I need to check the coolant level in my JD301A. The manual says the level should be "midway between the radiator core and filler neck". Where do you look to see this level?? Also, if anyone happens to know, my hydraulics have been very noisy in the cold (under 10F) and I've been seeing leaks underneath. Are these "normal" and both will return to normal in warmer weather?

 

[beenthere]

The manual says the level should be "midway between the radiator core and filler neck". Where do you look to see this level??

Remove the rad cap, observe the core of the radiator, and fill halfway (midway).. just so the core is covered with coolant, but not flowing out the overflow tube just under the cap. Similar to a car radiator system that doesn't have the overflow supply tank.

Regards the hydraulics, be sure that the hyd. fluid is at the full mark. Sounds like it may be low, from the leakage you mention..

 

[Phillip w]

Remove the rad cap, observe the core of the radiator, and fill halfway (midway).. just so the core is covered with coolant, but not flowing out the overflow tube just under the cap. Similar to a car radiator system that doesn't have the overflow supply tank.

Regards the hydraulics, be sure that the hyd. fluid is at the full mark. Sounds like it may be low, from the leakage you mention..

Have to agree with pretty much everything posted here. One thing I might add is; if your hydraulic level is full, some times it takes a bit to get the oil warmed up and thinned down. I got one old tractor I just got to be patient. Engage pto and let it turn, turn steering wheel back and forth, raise and lower three point arms, work loader up and down. Just be patient and get the oil warming up and moving. Sometimes it will howl a little until you things moving. If howl does not go away, it is not the cold. Either you low on hydraulic oil as previously mentioned or something else going on. For money's sake you hope the pump isn't going bad. That gets pricey.

 

[JMarchant]

Thanks everyone,
The tractor was rebuilt so the fix should be as simple as fluid levels (hopefully!). I had used a block heater for a couple of hours and the engine felt warm but I guess the oil may still have been really cold. I'll try heating it up for longer next time.