TN75DA Running Cold HELP!!!

KYTIMM · Jan 6, 2017

Hello Everybody, I could not find the new member introduction area, but thanks ADMIN for adding me! I bought a used TN75DA tractor at the end of last summer. It came from Ohio and appeared to suffer some pretty serious salt damage. The AC condenser has literally been eaten away. I can tolerate heat much better than cold, so I was unconcerned about not having air conditioning. I did however think I would still have heat this winter. I do not! I started searching around and found out that I should not be even using my tractor if the TEMP gauge is in the blue area, and not the green. Most information I found pointed to the thermostat, so I changed it. Started tractor up yesterday, it was about 32 degrees outside. I let it run 10 minutes at idle RPM then raised it to 1100 RPM for another 25 minutes, and the gauge still never made it out of the blue. I really need the tractor to work this winter! Any suggestions??
Thanks in advance!

ch1ch2 · Jan 6, 2017

Put a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator.

KYTIMM · Jan 6, 2017

Thank You for your service ch1ch2! I can't get cardboard between the rotten condenser and the radiator. I was also under the impression that the cardboard was used to stop air from cooling the fins when the tractor was moving. If it won't warm up when its sitting still, will the cardboard do any good?

Shaneard · Jan 6, 2017

If you can't get cardboard in front of the radiator lay a towel across the grill. If you put the towel on when it's running it should suck it to it. The cardboard or towel will stop the flow of air the fan is sucking thru the radiator and make it warm. I have cardboard in front of my truck radiator now. My commute to work is 8 miles, cardboard makes a difference.

farmer2009 · Jan 6, 2017

KYTIMM said:
Thank You for your service ch1ch2! I can't get cardboard between the rotten condenser and the radiator. I was also under the impression that the cardboard was used to stop air from cooling the fins when the tractor was moving. If it won't warm up when its sitting still, will the cardboard do any good?

First. Welcome from the other end of the state.

Yeah cardboard will help even if sitting still. Your fan is still running pulling air through radiator.

Set the cardboard or feed sack up and cover what ever you can. Even if it's the grill in the outside. I use feed sacks mostly. Doesn't take much space to cool the engine in these temperatures.

KYTIMM · Jan 6, 2017

Thanks everybody. I'm heading out to give it a shot.

KYTIMM · Jan 6, 2017

Well, I managed to get the cardboard between the condenser and the radiator. Fired it up, let it run for a half hour, and still nothing. It moved the needle off the bottom, but just into the blue. Any other possibilities?

tcreeley · Jan 6, 2017

Thermostat is stuck open or no good, temperature sensor or gauge is no good. Is the fluid in the radiator warming up? After you run it, turn it off and open up the radiator cap and see if the fluid is hot. - Do you have fluid in your radiator?

Good luck.

KYTIMM · Jan 6, 2017

Changed thermostat. Temp sensor is good, works fine on warm days. I can feel the fluid getting somewhat warm that is running into the cab. Top hose going to thermo is ice cold. Radiator is full and overflow is at the minimum mark.