running just below the red ... OK??

[Gedfish]

Hi there. Is it OK to run the diesel engine just below the red zone (still in the green) or is it better to keep well up in the green? Thanks, Ged

 

[jwstewar]

I won't let mine get there for very long. As soon as I see it is getting up that high, I will stop and clean the screen out so that the temp drops back down to the normal range. If it does it w/o a load you might want to try a different gauge and/or sending unit. If it truly is running that high you might want to make sure the thermostat isn't sticking or the radiator itself isn't clogged.

 

[powerpace]

Use only the power you need to get the job done. If your up near the red for most chores maybe you should tackle them a different way or take a little longer.

 

[two_bit_score]

Use only the power you need to get the job done. If your up near the red for most chores maybe you should tackle them a different way or take a little longer.

Absolutely. First thing is to find out why it's getting that close to red in the first place.

 

[Thomas]

I don't like to,for I feel its harder on the engine in time also on attachments...slow and steady better results.

 

[kennyd]

Hi there. Is it OK to run the diesel engine just below the red zone (still in the green) or is it better to keep well up in the green? Thanks, Ged

Are you talking about the temperature or tachometer?

 

[MikePA]

Are you talking about the temperature or tachometer?

I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think there are any green or red zones on my tachometer. Temp gauge, yes. Tach, no. I'll have to check when I get home.

EDIT: There's no red zone on the tach. Also, most operator's manual indicate where the temp gauge needle should be for normal operations, usually in the middle of the green. If a tractor that had always been in the middle of the gauge suddenly jumps to just below the red zone and stays there, that indicates a problem to me. In other words, if just below the red becomes the 'new normal', there's a problem.

 

[powerpace]

It doesn't matter tach., or temp. Use just the power you need to get the job done.

 

[Gedfish]

I should clarify - I mean temperature. Our tractor is used by a number of people across 2 properties. One operator is a little reluctant to clean the screen, and the rig heats up a bit. I have some experience fixing diesels (I service my Toyota ute (pickup) and our John Deere X495. Replacing water pumps, timing belts, removing fuel pumps etc. I was hoping someone would say that running up the temp a bit really doesn't matter. I know older diesels do not have the finer tolerances that the newer engines have because of emissions requirement. Still, like the 3 Bears - I figure the porridge is best warm & not too hot or cold! Cheers, Ged

 

[jinman]

Ged, you really need to know what temperature the redline is to make a determination. To me, the redline says the coolant is low or could be boiling off or leaking. Running consistently up to the red, but staying in the green, would seem to be fine. Your engine probably runs very well in that range. I would expect 85ºC to 100ºC to be within the normal range and probably around 110ºC to 120ºC to be the redline zone where pressurized coolant would be likely to boil off and engine oil would rapidly start to deteriorate. Close to the red, but still in the green is "good to go" in my book. Green is green no matter if it is high green or low green.