Strange coolant hose arrangement and other questions

[wesmann]

I've had this YM 276D three years and love it.
I replaced the hoses when I got it and left them as is (see pic) because I didn't want to risk taking things apart to much. I think I'm bypassing the thermostat. Changed the oil yesterday after an hour of moving firewood. The oil was warm but not hot.
Any idea why it was set up this way?
Machine starts, runs fine in hot and cold weather. Should I try to remove the shunt?

Other questions:
JD HyGaurd low viscosity fluid ok in the PowerShift trans?
Can I use the old fluid in my wood splitter?
Thanks in advance.

 

[winston1]

Now that picture is very very interesting. I would think originally the temperature sensor screwed in where the the tee is at now. Looks like if they were wanting to bypass the thermostat they would have just taken in out. Is there a thermostat in it? As far as the used oil goes if I wasn't going to use it in my tractor I wouldn't use it in my wood splitter. Just my opinion.

 

[wesmann]

Good point about pulling the thermostat. There is one. Replaced it when I did the hoses. Thought about removing the T but I didn't want to move the fuel lines. I'm feeling more comfortable with my "new" machine. I could give it a try if it's necessary.
The fluid is pretty new - three years/ 150 hours.

 

[California]

I would save the tractor fluid for the splitter if it looks clean. But I would let it sit in a covered bucket for months to let sediment and water separate out, before using it.

 

[SSdoxie]

It looks like this is used as the cold temp by-pass hose. Normally the by-pass comes off the block below the thremostat and into the water pump. As usuall as this is, do not remove it unless there is another by-pass. Engine needs to circulate some coolant before thermostat opens or you will get hot spots on cylinder walls and overheat engine before thermostat can open.
If it runs OK as is leave it, "If it ain't broke don't fix it".

 

[wesmann]

Thanks or the info. It's good to know what that hose is for. I'll leave it as is.

 

[Car Doc]

It may have an orifice to restrict it in the block otherwise it is necessary to have a bypass of some kind.

 

[Transit]

Diesel engines should be running in the 170 to 185 range to be efficient and have the oil at the correct temperature. The bypass helps keep the coolant moving to keep hot spots from forming when the T-stat is closed.

I would remove the radiator cap to see if the coolant is flowing all the time or if it starts-stops as the T-stat opens and closes, I would put a thermometer in the radiator to see what the temperature swing is.